Classes and Categories of Water Damage

Water damage is a common and recurring problem in homes and businesses, but dealing with it can still be a daunting task every time. Water damage can stem from normal disruptions like broken pipes, leaking faucets, or damaged appliances to natural calamities like heavy rain and intense flooding, but no matter how big or small the damage is, it is vital to deal with it immediately to prevent further losses.

The first thing that comes to mind when water damage is involved is to try to handle it on one’s own, but often this only leads to a bigger problem especially if the one performing the task is untrained. Water damage comes in different classes and categories and each requires special techniques and equipment for proper extraction, a job that can only be handled by an expert water damage restoration company such as ServiceMaster of the Upstate. Below are the classes and categories of water damage that home and business owners may encounter.

Categories of Water Damage

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) designates three (3) categories of water damage.

Category 1: Clean Water Damage

Category 1 is the least severe form of water damage and does not pose a threat to human health. Sources of Category 1 water damage include broken water pipes and supply lines, and overflows from bathtubs and sinks.

· Most items damaged by “clean water” can easily be dried without potential side effects for the property owner. However, Category 1 water damage may escalate to Category 2 if not dealt with immediately.

Category 2: Grey Water Damage

Category 2 comes from toilets, washing machines, or sump pump backups. Any item affected by grey water must be disinfected completely, as waste material and chemicals present in the water may be harmful.

Category 3: Black Water Damage

Category 3 or black water is the most extreme kind of water damage that needs immediate extraction and disinfection to prevent serious risks to health. This water contains significant pathogens and is grossly unsanitary.

Black water includes sewer backups, floodwaters, river or ground water, and standing water that has begun to support bacterial growth.

If a house experiences black water damage, occupants must stay away from affected areas so contamination doesn’t spread.

Classes of Water Damage

When assessing options for water damage repair, the class of water damage must be determined. The class of the water describes the amount of water and its anticipated evaporation rate depending on the amount and type of wet materials in the space affected.

Class 1 – the least harmful form of water damage which may only affect a portion of a room or area. It has the least amount of water involved and materials absorb only a very small amount of moisture.

Class 2 – this involves a large amount of water and can damage carpets or cushions. Structural materials such as plywood contain residual moisture. Water damage repair is more difficult when it involves Class 2 water.

Class 3 – the source of Class 3 water can come from overhead and may require demolition. Water can saturate the ceilings, walls, insulation, and carpeting.

Class 4 – this class of water damage may affect hardwood floors, plaster, concrete and other materials with very low permeance porosity. This type is the most complicated and hardest to deal with and requires special water restoration and water removal procedures.

South Carolina’s Leading Water Damage Restoration and Cleanup Company

No matter the class or category, water damage is a time-sensitive process that needs proper skill and equipment. If you experience water damage in your home or business, contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate. Our staff is trained on the use of thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters and certified by the IICRC. Our business is fully licensed and insured, and our technicians are professionally trained and certified, so you can rest assured that the job will be done correctly and efficiently. Our emergency response team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to guide you from crisis to resolution.

We are an insurance-preferred company and can guide you when filing for insurance claims. Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate today at (864) 310-7891 or message us at https://www.servicemasterupstate.com/contact/ for water damage repair and restoration services in your commercial property. We service Greenville, Spartanburg, Laurens, Newberry, and Saluda, South Carolina and surrounding areas.

Water Damage Restoration, Cleaning and Repair Services in Laurens, South Carolina

Water damage can destroy your residential or commercial property, causing serious structural damage and health problems if mold develops. Act right away and contact trusted specialists who are equipped to remove water, clean up, and restore your property immediately.

ServiceMaster of the Upstate provides comprehensive water, storm, and flood damage restoration services for homeowners and business owners in Laurens, SC and surrounding areas. Our water damage specialists are licensed, certified, and utilize the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment to address your water damage needs efficiently.

Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate of Laurens at (864) 310-7891 today for your free water damage inspection.

We provide water removal services on all types of properties, including but not limited to:

• Small and large homes
• Apartment complexes
• Condominiums
• Schools and educational facilities
• Churches
• Hotels and resorts
• Restaurants
• Office buildings
• Medical facilities
• Warehouses and other industrial properties

Water Damage Restoration and Repair Process

Every water damage scenario is different and requires unique solutions. ServiceMaster of the Upstate follows this water damage restoration process.

Emergency Contact - ServiceMaster of the Upstate is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your emergency water damage restoration needs.

Inspection and Damage Assessment - Our trusted Project Manager or Estimator will inspect and determine the class, category, and extent of your water damage.

Water Removal / Water Extraction - Our commercial-grade, truck-mounted water removal system ensures any moisture in your property is thoroughly removed to prevent future issues.

Structural Drying and Dehumidification - We provide expert structural and content drying services and utilize a combination of dehumidifiers, high-velocity air scrubbers and negative air machines to remove moisture from the air.

Cleaning and Deodorization - ServiceMaster of the Upstate cleans, sanitizes, and deodorizes your property to eliminate bacteria and musty smells.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We are a locally owned and operated company that is proud to offer excellent water damage restoration and water removal services to customers in and around the Greenville, SC area, including Spartanburg, Laurens, Newberry, and Saluda. We are close by and ready to respond immediately when you need cleaning or restoration services. We’re also part of a national network of over 1, 900 Franchises, which allows us to respond quicker with more resources. For major storms and disasters, we can even call upon special disaster recovery teams for additional resources.

Insurance Preferred Vendor

We are a preferred vendor for major insurance companies in South Carolina. We coordinate to confirm nothing is overlooked in your claim. We are Licensed, Bonded, and Insured and we meet insurance companies' strict standards to provide timely service, issue accurate assessments, perform quality work, and deliver clear communication to our property owners.

Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate of Laurens at (864) 310-7891 today to learn more about how we can help you!

Comprehensive Water Damage Restoration Services in Greenville, South Carolina

From leaking faucets to broken water heaters to flooding, water damage is one of the most common and potentially destructive problems you can face as a homeowner in Greenville, South Carolina. If not taken care of immediately, excess water in your home can promote electrical hazards, cause expensive damage to your home’s structure and furnishings, and can even lead to the growth of hazardous mold. When the worst happens, call ServiceMaster of the Upstate's water damage restoration experts at (864) 310-7891 for a free inspection and assessment.

Whatever the cause, fast water mitigation is key to restoration, and this is where ServiceMaster of the Upstate excels. Our technicians arrive on site quickly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. With our rapid response teams, your floors, walls, and personal property can often be restored.

OUR WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION PROCESS

ServiceMaster of the Upstate responds with urgency and sensitivity. We understand the trauma you are facing, and we will restore and repair your property with minimal disruption to your daily life. Our water damage restoration and repair process involves:

Inspection and Damage Assessment Our project manager or estimator will identify the full extent of water damage, both visible and unseen, by using equipment such as moisture detectors and hygrometers. Meanwhile, we help homeowners overcome their feeling of helplessness by explaining the process in detail so that they can understand what is happening, what to expect, and what they can do.

Water Removal / Water Extraction Our trucks are equipped with state-of-the-art water extraction, drying, and moisture testing equipment. The water removal process will be completed thoroughly and efficiently.

Structural Drying and Dehumidification We will dry the water from your workplace using our professional water damage drying equipment. Any leftover moisture will then be removed through our dehumidification services.

Cleaning and Deodorization Our technicians will dry every item respectfully and professionally, from your carpet to your family photos. ServiceMaster of the Upstate will never leave any musty odor behind.

Insurance-Preferred Vendor

We are also insurance claim specialists and can work with you to go over the costs involved, so you are never in the dark or worrying about any potential hidden costs.

Why Choose ServiceMaster of the Upstate?

Our equipment is top-notch and fully updated in order to ensure that your home is in the best condition possible after we leave.

We are an IICRC-Certified Firm.

The members of our punctual and professional staff are committed to providing you service that’s honest, polite, and discreet.

We are a locally owned and operated company that is proud to offer excellent Greenville, SC damage restoration services to customers in and around the area.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

ServiceMaster of the Upstate is one of over 1,900 franchises in the ServiceMaster Restore national network, which allows us to respond quickly and provide more resources. You can be confident that ServiceMaster of the Upstate will be your lifeline during times of catastrophic property loss. We are the most reliable and professional disaster restoration service in the country.

Greenville Trusted Water Damage Restoration Company

If you are in need of a water damage restoration service in Greenville, South Carolina and its surrounding areas, ServiceMaster of the Upstate is ready to serve twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. We are fully licensed and insured and our technicians are professionally trained and certified, so you can rest assured that the job will be done correctly and efficiently. Please call our emergency line at (864) 310-7891 for a free inspection and assessment.

Dos and Don'ts of Dryer Fire Prevention

Doing the laundry is a part of the typical household routine. Advancements in technology have made it easier with the development of washing machines and dryers. While it is important to care for clothes properly, just as important is regular dryer checkup, as 2,900 dryer fires are reported annually, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Poorly maintained dryers pose a fire risk. On average, dryer fires amount to 35 million dollars in property damage, 100 injuries and five fatalities every year. Aside from the loss of a laundry appliance, there is also the cost of repairs from hiring a professional fire damage restoration company to restore the affected area properly, such as ServiceMaster of the Upstate. It is vital, therefore, to understand what causes dryer fires and how they could be prevented. ServiceMaster of the Upstate has prepared some tips for dryer fire damage prevention. Read them below.

What Causes Dryer Fires?

Dryer fires could be a result of any of the following:

Dirty lint filters. Lint collects in the dryer cavity, which is close to the heating elements. Uncleaned lint filters are a fire risk since lint is highly flammable and may ignite due to the heat.

Improper usage. Manufacturer's instructions often come with appliances. Dryer usage outside the recommended guidelines, such as overstuffing and placing items that shouldn't be put in it, is a potential fire hazard.

Machinery failure. Damaged components and faulty wiring may start a fire. Upon notice, these and other electrical or mechanical issues must be repaired or replaced, if necessary.

Is My Dryer Damaged?

Call a repair technician if any of the following signs is noticed:

Drying clothes takes longer even if there is heat produced

Clothes are hotter than usual after the drying cycle is completed

Clothes are still damp even if the cycle is already finished

Outdoor flapper on the vent hood remains closed when the dryer is running

Dryer Fire Prevention Tips: Dos and Don'ts

DO: Clean the lint filter.

Most residential dryer fires are a result of poor dryer maintenance, such as failing to clean out a clogged lint filter. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 34% of reported dryer fires every year are caused by uncleaned lint traps.

Clean lint filters before and after every cycle.

Dryers rely on proper airflow, and obstructions such as lint inhibit this process. Clean lint traps do not only prevent fire risks but also allow the dryer to run efficiently and prevents it from overheating.

DON'T: Dry clothes without the lint filter.

The filter protects the dryer's inner workings from collecting lint. Without this defensive shield, a buildup of lint in the ducts can easily lead to a dryer vent fire.

Make it a habit to check that the lint trap is in place before using the dryer. Damaged or worn out lint traps must be replaced immediately.

DO: Inspect the ducts and vents regularly.

Obstructions in the ducts or vents can lead to a dryer fire. These could be due to the accumulation of lint, animals building nests in the vents, or snow building up over the outside vents. Check ducts for blockages and clean them regularly.

Ducts may be clogged if laundry is taking longer to dry, exhaust air is failing to exit the vent, and the machine is overheating.

Blockages may also occur if the venting system is damaged. Call a professional to repair the issue and also to inspect for other dryer problems.

DON'T: Overload the dryer.

Busy schedules may prompt one to overload the dryer, forcing it to work overtime and potentially overheat. This can cause dryer malfunction or ignition from too much heat accumulated.

Over-stuffing the dryer can also cause lint buildup, affecting the dryer's ability to ventilate and make the dryer overheat. Read the manufacturer's recommended load to avoid overstuffing.

DON'T: Leave the dryer running unattended.

Only use the dryer if someone's watching over it. If the dryer is left running unattended, property damage and losses may occur if fire breaks out.

You can also download a clothes dryer safety sheet from the National Fire Protection Association website.

Dryer Fire? Contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate, South Carolina's Leading Fire Damage Restoration Company

Accidents can still happen despite efforts to prevent them. If your home in South Carolina has been damaged by a clothes dryer fire, contact a trusted fire damage repair service company in South Carolina, like ServiceMaster of the Upstate.

At ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we provide smoke and fire damage restoration services around the clock. We are IICRC-certified, which means that the ServiceMaster of the Upstate restoration team has gone through extensive course work to become the best in the business. We are also an insurance-preferred vendor and have 11 years of experience in damage management.

Our skilled and experienced technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year to respond to your fire emergency. Contact us at (864) 310-7891. We service Greenville, Spartanburg, Laurens, Newberry, and Saluda, South Carolina and surrounding areas.