My Insurance Adjuster Said I Have a Gray Water Loss... What's That?!

This morning we received an email from one of our neighbors in Bay Park. We thought all of you might benefit from the response we provided. Read below!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Mike,

We woke up this morning to find our kitchen and living room floors were completely soaked with water. Upon closer inspection, we discovered that our dishwasher had sprung a leak overnight! What a mess. We called our insurance company this morning... based on the information we gave our adjuster, he said we have a "gray water loss". What is that?

Thanks,
Mark Watman
PS - What time can you be here? We have approval from the adjuster for you to start cleaning up this water damage! Hurry!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good morning, Mark,

Sorry to hear about your dishwasher. I will be there at 9 AM sharp to assist you (if that time works for you). Just give me a call to confirm - 619-275-2802.

There are 3 major types of water loss:

Clean water losses (category 1) originate from a source that does not pose substantial harm to humans. Examples of clean water sources may include:

- broken water supply lines
- melting ice or snow
- falling rainwater
- toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives

As time elapses, "clean water" can turn into "gray water"... especially if the water has come in contact with soil or other surfaces.

Gray water losses (category 2) originate from a source that contains a significant level of contamination. Gray water carries microorganisms that have the protential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans. Examples of gray water sources may include:

- discharge from dishwashers or washing machines
- overflows from toilet bowls with some urine (no feces)
- sump pump failures
- broken aquariums
- punctured water beds

Time and temperature can affect category 2 water contamination levels significantly. For example, gray water in flooded structures that remains untreated for longer those 48 hours may change to a black water loss.

Black water losses (category 3) contains pathogenic agents and is grossly unsanitary. In fact, our industry recommends that any persons with compromised immune systems, respiratory problems or allergies, or who are under 2 years of age or elderly must remain off a job site until the building is judged safe for occupancy. Examples of black water sources include:

- sewage and other contaminated water
- toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap
- all forms of flooding (seawater, ground surface water, rising water from rivers or streams)
- water that has been contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, or toxic substances

Hope the information helps! If you want to know more about it, let me know. I can bring some additional literature with me this morning.

Mike Sprague
Servpro of Point Loma
619-275-2802
servpro9729@gmail.com
http://www.servproofpointloma.com/

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***