Water Damage Category is a Real Thing

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

What is the categories of water damage?

Categories of water damage are designated by the type of water that caused the damage. The lower level of water sanitation puts the water damage in a greater numbered category. This helps us know how to proceed with the best restoration and mitigation plan.

Category 1 Water: “Clean Water”, is water that does not pose significant harm to humans. Category 1 water is clean water from a direct source such as a faucet that has had contact with structural and content surfaces. A category 1 water loss can become a higher category as the water sits for longer and dissolves structural and content surfaces contaminating the water.

Some examples include, tub or sink overflow without contaminants, water supply lines, melting snow, ice and rain fall.

Category 2 Water: “Gray Water”, is water that has the ability to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed or exposed to humans. It contains a considerable amount of biological, physical, and/or chemical contamination. Category 2 water can contain microorganisms/bio-contaminants (fungal, bacterial, algae), chemicals, and/or physical hazards.

Some examples include: Overflows from toilet bowls, fire protection sprinklers, water released from dishwashers and washing machines.

Category 3 Water: “Black Water”, is water that has a probability of causing discomfort, or sickness if contaminated water sources are consumed or exposed to humans. It contains grossly unsanitary water containing pathogenic agents, arising from sewage or other contaminated water sources.

Some examples include: Sewage, rising water from rivers or streams

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage. Call today 916-991-1522.