What are the 3 Categories of Water Damage?

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

Many people don't know all three categories of water damage that are commonly found in homes and businesses after an unexpected flood or leak happens.

When someone experiences water damage, it can be a significant inconvenience. The clean-up process is often expensive and time-consuming, which can make water damage feel overwhelming. To make matters worse, many people don't know all three categories of water damage that are commonly found in homes and businesses after an unexpected flood or leak happens. However, understanding these categories will help you grasp what you need to do to eliminate the problem before it becomes more serious than it has to be.

There are 3 Categories of Water Damage

There are three categories of water damage:

• Category 1 – This is the least severe type of water damage, known as "clean water."
• Category 2 – The second category is more severe because it involves contaminated water, also known as "grey water."
• Category 3 – This third category is the most severe type of water damage, also known as "black water."

Category 1

Category 1 is the least severe category of water damage. It is also known as "clean water" and can be caused by leaking pipes or supply lines, overflowing bathtubs, sinks, or toilet bowls, and even melting ice, snow, or rainwater. 

Category 1 water damage is not necessarily dangerous to your home or belongings, but it should be addressed as soon as possible. If left untreated for too long, Category 1 water damage can cause significant damage to your property and can lead to a mold infestation.

Category 2

Category 2 water damage is also known as "grey water" and comes from water mixed with chemicals or other contamination. It can be the result of broken appliances such as a dishwasher or washing machine, sump pump failures, overflows from toilet bowls, and even condensate water.

Category 2 water can be harmful to humans and pets if they come into contact with it. Because of this, it requires professional decontamination during the mitigation process to ensure that your property is clean and sanitary.

Category 3

Category 3 water damage requires immediate professional attention. This category of water damage is the most severe and can be caused by sewage, floods, or other heavily contaminated water sources. It is also known as "black water."

As contaminated as this kind of water is, you should not even consider attempting to clean it yourself. To keep yourself and others on your property safe, contact a team of experts right away if your home has been affected by category 3 water damage.

Water damage can be devastating. It is important to know what category of water damage you are dealing with after a loss to ensure that your property is getting the proper care. Restoration professionals, such as SERVPRO of Tyler, Lindale, Palestine, are highly trained in all 3 categories of water damage and will take care of your property from start to finish.  If you’re dealing with water damage in the Tyler, TX, area and would like more information, don't hesitate and contact our SERVPRO of Tyler, Lindale, Palestine team today!