Category 3 Water Cleanup FAQs
1/13/2022 (Permalink)
A clogged sewer line can cause overflow in the restroom of your commercial building in Ogden, UT. It may look like you just need to mop up the standing water, but it is likely that more issues persist under the tile where you can't see them. The floodwater from this type of accident requires professional cleaning due to Category 3 water damage.
For best results, you must contact water damage mitigation experts to assess and fix the problem. Here are some other questions you may have about the cleanup process.
FAQs related to the issue of Water Damage
What Are Sources of Category 3 Water?
Not every flood is the result of contaminated water. Sometimes, a simple faucet leak can be fixed easily with relatively little cleanup required. However, there are several common sources of Category 3 water that occur in commercial buildings:
- Sewer backup
- Toilet overflow
- Broken sewer lines
- Storm flooding
In contrast to the clean water that comes out of faucets or directly from the supply line, Category 3 water has the potential to contain grime, bacteria, and other microbes. Therefore, it's not enough to dry the area where the flood occurs. It also must be cleaned.
What Damage Can Category 3 Water Cause?
When a toilet overflows, the resulting floodwater puddles around the base of the toilet. It doesn't stay there, though. It can seep under the floor tiles and into the structure beneath them. If the restroom is on an upper level, it may even leak into the floor below it. All of the damage must be repaired to safeguard the structural integrity of your building and prevent further problems.
Why Do You Need Mitigation Professionals?
There are several reasons to call mitigation experts as soon as you know you have a flooding problem. First, you get a correct assessment of the whole scope of the problem. They can also help prevent secondary damage such as mold growth by removing affected items and materials quickly. If the fungus has already started to grow around the area, they can also include that issue in their overall cleanup plans. Finally, they not only handle the cleanup but can also restore your building to its previous state.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Mitigation?
Most basic property policies cover the damages caused by a sudden and unexpected event, such as an overflowing toilet. You will likely need to pay the cost of repairing the toilet itself if a plumber is needed. If Category 3 damage comes from flooding due to a natural disaster, you may have to rely on your flood policy. The best resource for questions about your insurance coverage, of course, is a representative from your provider.
Any time your building floods, it's important to know the source of the floodwater. From that point, you can make an informed decision about the best method for cleaning it up. For Category 3 water damage, you need certified mitigation experts who can clean up the mess, remove ruined materials and restore your building to its former state. The sooner you call for help, the less damage you are likely to have in the long run.