The 3 Categories of Water Damage

7/31/2018 (Permalink)

If Category 1 water damage is not addressed quickly, it can eventually become Category 2, which can have cause some potential health effects.

Not all water damages are created equally. We are called each day to clean up and dry after a water damage, but the work involved varies not just by the amount of water involved, but also the category it falls under. These categories—determined by the number of contaminants in the water—inform our technicians of the work and equipment necessary to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Category 1 – Little to No Contaminants

Water damage that falls under this category comes from “clean” water and poses very little risk of causing adverse health effects. This type of water damage is easiest to dry and follows normal drying procedures. Category 1 damage usually comes from malfunctions or breakage involving water supply lines.

However, when it is not addressed in a timely manner, Category 1 water damage can become Category 2.

Category 2 – Significant Contamination

Category 2 water damage has significant levels of contamination and has the potential to cause some health effects when left for an extended amount of time. In this case, the technicians’ first priority should be to employ cleaning processes before beginning the drying process. Some sources for this category type include aquarium leaks, dishwasher discharges, or untreated Category 1.

For water damage in this category, an antimicrobial spray will be applied to help prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Category 3 – Substantial Contamination

Category 3 water is extremely contaminated and comes from unsanitary sources such as sewage backups and flood waters. Because this category poses strong adverse health risks, several forms of PPE gear are required and those with compromised immune systems must be evacuated. Porous materials that were affected must be either removed or undergo very strict cleaning and drying (a very expensive process). Even stronger cleaning methods than employed for Category 2 water damages must be used.

SERVPRO and Water Damage Categories

Our team at SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties is certified by the IICRC to handle your water damage regardless of its category. Our goal is not just to dry the damage; it’s to make sure that you can occupy an environment without facing ill health effects. If you have a water damage, call SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties today!