Stanley Steemer Water and Fire Damage Restoration for Agents and Brokers

Stanley Steemer, Water Removal, Fire Restoration, Flood Damage, Water Removal

While each case is unique, water damage typically follows a similar pattern.
To illustrate the importance of addressing the emergency within the first 24 hours, here is what normally occurs.

LESS THAN AN HOUR
• moving water quickly spreads to other areas
• furniture may stain carpet permanently
• moisture-sensitive furniture may discolor
• paper goods are ruined

1-24 HOURS
• furniture delaminates or swells, legs can split
• pressed wood swells and disintegrates
• bacterial odor becomes apparent
• uncoated metal surfaces may tarnish
• normal household odors strengthen

2-7 DAYS
• fungi appear, accompanied by a "musty" odor
• musical instruments swell and warp
• drywall swells and disintegrates
• uncoated metal surfaces begin to rust
• door and window casings swell and distort or delaminate
• wood decking and studs begin to swell, warp or split
• electronic components may malfunction
• occupants with respiratory problems or comprised immune systems can experience distress

1 WEEK AND LONGER
• fungi spread to nature fiber, paper coverings on drywall, paneling, wood, etc.
• wood components warp and split
• chemicals within wood dissolve, discolor or destroy finishes
• claim costs escalate dramatically
• serious occupant health hazards may occur

Types and Sources of Water Losses
Water losses fall into one of three categories. Determining these categories is key to introducing the proper drying techniques and designating what can and cannot be restored.

Category 1 - Clean water
This water originates from a source not posing substantial harm to humans. The source can be from broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water supply lines, melting snow, falling rain water, broken toilet tanks and toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives.

If left untreated, In 72 hours category one water transforms into category 2 water.

Category 2 - Gray water
This water contains a significant level of contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans. It carries microorganisms and nutrients for microorganisms.

Sources of Category 2 water could be discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls with some urine (no feces),sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic pressure, broken aquariums and punctured water beds.

Gray water may contain chemicals, biocontaminants (fungal, bacterial,viral, algae) and other forms of contamination including physical hazards and is unsuitable for consumption. When affected with category 2 water, carpet cushion must be removed and properly disposed of. Carpet that is saved must be cleaned with hot water extraction.

If left untreated, Category 2 water becomes Category 3 after 48 hours.

Category 3 - Black water
Black water contains pathogenic agents and is grossly unsanitary. This includes sewage and other contaminated water sources entering or affecting the indoor environment.
Category 2 water that is not removed promptly from the structure may be reclassified as category 3 water.

Toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water contamination, regardless of visible content or color. Black water also includes all forms of flooding from seawater, ground surface water and rising water from rivers and streams. Such water sources carry silt and organic matter into structures and create black water conditions.

The health of workers and occupants is the most important consideration when dealing with sewage backflows. Always remove and properly dispose of both carpet and cushion affected by a category 3 water loss.