Sewage Damage Cleanup:
Tip According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standard for professional water damage restoration (ANSI/IICRC S500-2006), Category III water damage (often called black water) is water damage to a structure where the origin is unsanitary or potentially infectious to humans. The black water classification also includes less contaminated water not treated in a timely manner. The classification depends on the origin of the water damage and the time of exposure - regardless of the actual color or appearance of the water. Some examples of Category III black water include: all sewage backflows and all rising water from rivers, streams, and seawater that enter a structure. Hurricanes and storms are usually the causes of this type of damage.

Water Damage Restoration: Tip: When dealing with Category III water damage, a professional restoration business should consider several basic factors. First, the safety of the building occupants and all workers is the primary consideration. Second, the business should conduct a thorough inspection to determine the severity of the damage since that will affect the restoration process. Third, there should be the rapid removal of excess water, the removal of all contaminated porous items, and the proper disposal of the sewage and other wastes. Finally, the professional will need to establish a Balanced Drying System to restore the environment to its pre-loss, normally dry state. Safety in all instances must be the very first consideration when exposure to Category III contaminates is a possibility. Category III water intrusion could contain many harmful viruses including Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, Adenoviruses, and Enteroviruses. Several parasites and many kinds of harmful bacteria could also be present. And, of course, numerous fungi in the form of mold spores are also present and can become a serious problem if timely decontamination does not occur and if professional drying does not begin within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.