The Three Categories of Water Damage

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Water damages come in all shapes and sizes and also come in different categories. These categories are Category 1 Water Damage: Clean Water Damages, Category 2 Water Damage: Grey Water Damage, and Category 3 Water Damage: Black Water Damage.

It is important for our SERVPRO technicians to understand the different sources these categories fall under. Each category is to be treated differently to ensure that our clients are not living in a contaminated area. Category 1 water is the least severe on the IICRC scale and this includes broken pipes and water supply lines. Also, it can include things like overflowing sinks and bathtubs and really any toxin-free water.

The next level up from that is a Category 2, “grey water”. This is water that comes from overflowing toilets or washing machines. Even though this water may not be harmful to humans, we still have to remove any affected items and completely disinfect the area.

The most severe is the Category 3 Water aka Black Water. This is the most extreme kind of water and requires immediate action because it might result to serious health risk. Black Water includes things such as sewage, flood water, and seawater. Anything that has been touched by Category 3 water will need to be removed from the property and the dwelling will need to undergo some serious disinfecting.

If you or someone you know has a water damage in their home or business, give us a call at SERVPRO of Wesley Chapel, 727-847-3000.