Gray Matters: Category 2 Water Damage

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

Some water pipe repair is clean water, but more likely than not, the water damage contamination level is going to be at least in Category 2.

Category 2 water, or gray water, is the middle level on the water contamination scale. It may have unsafe levels of bacteria and might cause people who ingest it some discomfort. It may also contain chemicals from the surfaces it touches. If you need water pipe repair in Edmond, OK, it is likely that the water you are dealing with is Category 2 water.

Typical Sources

When your business is flooded by Category 2 water, it may have come from the following sources:

• Dishwasher leaks in the company kitchen
• Failure of the sump pump in the basement
• Hydrostatic pressure on the foundation
• Overflowing toilet (clean or with urine only)

It is not advisable to drink water from these sources as they are expected to have certain levels of contaminants in them. It's not, however, as contaminated as Category 3 water, which includes sewage and floodwater.

Other Instances

Some instances of water pipe repair may turn into dealing with gray water. Unless water comes directly out of a broken pipe, it is likely to fall within the Category 2 contamination level. Once water is out in the open or in contact with various materials, it doesn't stay clean for long. For example, suppose a supply line breaks on the second floor and it is not discovered until the water is seeping through the ceiling of the first floor to the front desk. The water from the supply line is Category 1. The water dripping into the receptionist's coffee, however, is Category 2. It has gone through a floor, insulation, and ceiling tiles and now is no longer clean. The receptionist should definitely get a new cup right after phoning remediation services, and that remediation will likely include a disinfection step.

Some water pipe repair is clean water, but more likely than not, the water damage contamination level is going to be at least in Category 2. This means that not only does the area need to be dried but also sanitized. Remediation specialists can run tests so that you know what category the water falls under for sure.