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Call SERVPRO of Monterey Park For Your Sewage Backup
12/4/2023 (Permalink)
Flooded bathroom with contaminated water caused by sewer backup in a Monterey Park home
When flooding occurs in your Monterey Park, CA home, facing the cleanup process can be unsettling. Different types of floods may require different cleaning strategies. When a backed-up sewer causes a flood at your home, you may have to call in professional cleanup and restoration experts to handle the situation safely, and knowing what to expect when they arrive can help you feel more comfortable about the results.
The three types of contaminated water:
Category 1: "Clean Water"
This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.
- Water from a clean source like a broken water line
- If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3
Category 2: "Gray Water"
This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
- May contain bacteria and viruses
- Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated
Category 3: "Black Water"
This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
- May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
- Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup
Contaminated water in your home is an emergency. It should be removed from the home as fast as possible by a company trained by the best industry standards. Certified water damage technicians will use specialized equipment to extract the water, then dry out the area with powerful fans and ventilation. All areas and contents affected by the flood waters will need to be cleaned and sanitized with approved cleaning agents. Some items might need to be destroyed. The recovery process includes the elimination of odors from the home.