IICRC Flood Guidelines
Category 2 water can contain significant amounts of chemical, biological, and / or physical contaminants. Examples of category 2 water sources are aquarium leaks, water beds, dishwasher or clothes washer discharges, toilet bowl overflows, and water which enters houses from below the surface outside the home (ground water). There is a risk of sickness from category 2 water incursions.
IICRC S500 Standards state that to properly mitigate category 2 water incursions:
Cleaning procedures must be employed before initiating drying of wet structures. Affected pad or carpet under-layment should be removed and discarded. Carpet should be thoroughly cleaned with a hot water extraction method. Anti-microbials should be applied to affected areas.
To ensure quick drying of affected area you should:
- Remove carpet pad if needed
- Remove baseboard in affected rooms and initiate air movement in walls
- Remove affected sheet rock (to bare studs) if needed
- Place fans to speed evaporation process
- Check moisture levels as requested to ensure complete drying has occurred
If category 2 water is not properly mitigated in a timely manner it can change to a category 3, which could cause severe sickness or disease. Mold can begin growth in wet areas in as little as 48 hours. Thorough and rapid drying is necessary to prevent secondary damage or mold growth.
Reference:
IICRC S500 – Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration
Restorative Drying Guide; Restoration Sciences Academy