When we received an emergency call for a residential property in Bryan, TX, we knew we were dealing with a serious situation. The property had experienced Category 3 water damage from a sewage leak, affecting both the living room and bedroom areas.

Category 3 water damage, also known as "black water," contains harmful bacteria and contaminants that pose serious health risks. This type of damage requires immediate professional sewage cleanup and cannot be safely handled without proper equipment and expertise.

❮ ❯ ✕

Our Emergency Response Process

Upon arrival, we conducted a thorough assessment of the affected areas. The damage extended through multiple rooms, with contaminated water affecting flooring, subflooring, and personal belongings throughout the space.

Water Extraction and Content Management

Our first priority was complete water extraction from all affected areas. Using professional-grade extraction equipment, we removed all standing sewage water from the living room and bedroom. This process required careful attention to ensure no contaminated water remained in carpet padding or subflooring.

We also performed content manipulation, carefully cataloging and removing items that had come into contact with the contaminated water. Some items required professional cleaning, while others needed proper disposal due to the nature of Category 3 contamination.

❮ ❯ ✕

Antimicrobial Treatment Application

Following complete water extraction, we applied comprehensive antimicrobial treatments to all affected surfaces. This critical step helps eliminate harmful bacteria and prevents future microbial growth during the drying process.

The antimicrobial solution was applied to subflooring, wall surfaces, and any salvageable materials. This treatment is essential for Category 3 water damage and cannot be skipped without risking serious health consequences.

Professional Drying and Monitoring

After cleaning and treating affected areas, we deployed industrial-grade drying equipment throughout both rooms. This included commercial air movers and dehumidifiers strategically positioned to create optimal drying conditions.

The Importance of Proper Equipment

Professional water damage restoration requires specialized equipment that moves significantly more air and removes more moisture than household units. Our commercial-grade equipment ensures complete drying, which is critical for preventing mold growth and eliminating health hazards.

We monitored moisture levels throughout the drying process using professional moisture meters, taking readings multiple times daily to track progress and adjust equipment as needed.

❮ ❯ ✕

Flooring Assessment and Removal

The extent of contamination required complete removal of affected flooring materials. Both carpeting and padding in the living room and bedroom were too compromised to be safely restored and required proper disposal.

The subflooring was thoroughly dried and treated with antimicrobial solutions. After complete drying and treatment, moisture readings returned to normal levels.

Documentation and Insurance Support

Throughout the restoration process, we maintained detailed documentation for insurance claim purposes. This included:

• Photographic documentation of all damage and restoration steps
• Moisture readings and equipment logs
• Detailed reports showing the necessity of each restoration procedure
• Professional recommendations for materials that required replacement

Key Factors in Category 3 Water Damage

This Bryan restoration project highlights several important aspects of Category 3 water damage:

Health and Safety Priorities

Category 3 water contains dangerous contaminants that require full protective equipment and professional handling. Exposure to untreated sewage water can cause serious illness, making professional restoration essential.

Time-Sensitive Nature

Sewage contamination becomes more dangerous the longer it remains untreated. Immediate professional response helps minimize health risks and property damage.

Comprehensive Treatment Required

Unlike Category 1 or 2 water damage, sewage contamination requires complete antimicrobial treatment and often necessitates removal of porous materials that cannot be adequately cleaned.

Professional Results

After five days of intensive restoration work, all affected areas returned to normal moisture levels. The antimicrobial treatment successfully eliminated contamination concerns, and the property was ready for new flooring installation.

The thorough documentation and professional approach ensured smooth insurance claim processing and gave the property owner confidence that the restoration was completed safely and effectively.

This project demonstrates why Texas Certified Restoration takes a comprehensive approach to every residential restoration project. Category 3 water damage requires specialized knowledge, professional equipment, and strict safety protocols to protect both property and health.

For property owners facing similar contamination issues, professional restoration is not optional. The health risks associated with sewage contamination are serious, but proper restoration techniques can safely return your property to normal conditions.

If you're experiencing water damage in the greater Austin area, contact our team for immediate 24/7 emergency response. Our certified professionals have the experience and equipment needed to handle even the most challenging restoration situations.

Texas Certified Restoration provides 24/7 emergency water damage response throughout Travis County, Williamson County, and Bell County. For more information about our services or to read additional case studies, contact our team today.