Categories of Water Damage

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Categories of Water Damage

Categories of Water Damage Assessing the severity of the damage is important for determining what is needed to start the water loss repair and mitigation.

Category 1 - clean water, or water that does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or sink overflows.

Category 2 - gray water, this means that the water is contaminated and may cause sickness if ingested. This type of water contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps and seepage may cause category 2 water damage.

Category 3 - black water, this type of water is unsanitary, as it contains bacteria and other organisms that cause sickness. The possible sources of black water damage include sewage problems and contamination of standing water.

Classes of Water Damage: The class of damage is important when assessing water damage repair options.

• Class 1 is the least harmful form of damage. Materials absorb very little of the water from this type of damage. Water damage repair is the easiest in this type of situation.
• Class 2 has a fast rate of evaporation, which means that carpets and cushions may be damaged. Water damage repair is more difficult when it involves class 2 damage.
• Class 3 has the fastest rate of evaporation. In this case, the water may come from broken sprinklers or other overhead sources, soaking the walls and furniture.
• Class 4 requires special water restoration and water removal procedures. This type of damage may affect hardwood floors, plaster and concrete.

If your home or business experience a water loss or water damage, call us here at SERVPRO of Morgantown the leading water removal and restoration company, dedicated to protecting your biggest investment, Not everyone knows that water damage has different categories and classes, and just because it is a low category doesn't mean that it is a low class.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

304-291-3434