What Causes Category 1 Water Damage?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Valmont, CO office

Discover The Causes Of Category 1 Water Damage

Restoration professionals categorize damage caused by a broken supply line as Category One water damage. Clean water is initially free of contaminants, but its condition can deteriorate within a matter of hours. Discover the causes of Category One water damage and how to prevent these incidents from affecting a commercial facility in Valmont, CO.

A Broken Supply Line
When a pipe breaks, a commercial building may rapidly begin filling with water. All of the following measures can limit damage:

• Turn off the building water supply
• Collect as much water as possible
• Try to prevent damage from intensifying

Water released by a broken line is clean and treated, its condition begins to degrade as soon as it is released into a structure. Water working its way between floors downgrades damage from Category One to Category Two. Water left standing for longer than 24 to 48 hours becomes Category Three damage.

A Pipe With a Leak
A leaky pipe can be a more insidious problem than a broken line, particularly in terms of the potential for major secondary damage. Clean water that drips from a pipe can sustain hidden mold growth and require a combination of water damage restoration and mold remediation.

A Leaky Appliance
Any appliance that has faulty or worn plumbing hardware or connection components may leak water. Repairing connections is essential for appliances to continue functioning properly and to reduce the risk of water damage.

Clean water from a broken pipe is the most common source of Category One water damage. Depending on the condition of the line, water may be either spraying or dripping. The flow rate or a timely shut off will determine the degree of damage to a structure. Turning off the water supply and taking measures to contain a leak can also limit how far water damage spreads through a commercial building in Valmont, CO.