3 Types of Water Damage

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage due to a clogged toilet in a Kissimmee,FL home

Water damage is divided into three categories for the sake of insurance and restoration purposes. Learn about the difference between Category One, Category Two, and Category Three water. More extensive sanitation procedures are necessary when dealing with contaminated water resulting from a leak or flood.

Category One Water Damage

Category One water is not actually contaminated, though it can still cause primary water damage and elevate the risk of secondary damage, such as mold growth. This type of water is:

• Clean
• Treated
• From a supply line

Category One water can degrade into Category Two or Category Three water if left standing for more than a few days. It is important to remove all standing water and completely dry the affected area to prevent damage from worsening.

Category Two Water Damage

Category Two is used to describe contaminated water that does not contain solid waste. This type of water is called gray water and may:

• Contain chemicals or microbes
• Originate from a shower
• Leak out of appliances

If a dishwasher or washing machine spills water that has been used, this leak would be considered Category Two. Cleaning and disinfection are necessary for this category of water damage.

Category 3 Water Damage

Category Three water is highly contaminated and likely to contain solid waste. This category of water is also called black water, and may originate from a sewer backup or flooding. Category Three water may also contain:

• Chemicals
• Heavy metals
• Pathogens

It is necessary to thoroughly clean and disinfect areas exposed to Category Three water. Porous building materials or contents that absorb this water must be torn out and replaced.

These are the three categories used by insurers and cleanup professionals to describe water damage. If clean or contaminated water causes damage at a residence in Kissimmee, FL, a homeowner should contact a mitigation and restoration service as soon as possible.