Question 1

What do Categories 1, 2, and 3 mean in water damage?

Accepted Answer

These categories classify the level of contamination in the water, which dictates the cleanup procedure. Category 1 is 'clean water' from a source that doesn't pose a substantial health risk, like a broken supply line. Category 2 is 'gray water,' which is contaminated and can cause illness if ingested. Sources include washing machine overflows or dishwasher leaks. Category 3 is 'black water,' which is grossly unsanitary and contains harmful bacteria and pathogens. Examples include sewage backups and overland floodwater. Any contact with black water requires extreme caution and professional handling.

Question 2

What do Classes 1 through 4 mean in water damage?

Accepted Answer

Where water 'Category' describes the contamination level, water 'Class' describes the extent of the water damage and the expected rate of evaporation. Class 1 is the easiest to dry, involving only a small area with materials that have low porosity, like concrete. Class 2 involves a larger area or materials with higher porosity, like carpet and drywall. Class 3 is the most severe saturation, often coming from overhead and affecting the entire area, including insulation and subflooring. Class 4 is a specialty drying situation where water is trapped in materials that are very difficult to dry, such as hardwood flooring, plaster, or concrete.

Question 3

How can I tell what category and class my water damage is?

Accepted Answer

While you can make an educated guess based on the source of the water (e.g., a toilet overflow is likely Category 3), the official determination should always be left to a certified professional. They have the training and equipment to assess the situation properly. They will test the water for contaminants to confirm the category and use moisture meters to determine the extent of saturation and assign the correct class. This professional assessment is critical because it dictates the entire scope of work, ensuring the job is done safely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions – Damage Classification

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