Water Damage: Categories & Classes – Types of Home Water Damage

Water damage in your home or office is serious. Acting fast when a loss is discovered is critical. Your first move should be to call a business that specializes in water damage, water removal, and remediation.

When you reach out to a professional service like Dry Patrol, our team will ask a few key questions to understand your situation over the phone. Here are a few typical questions any pro should ask:

  • When did the loss occur?
  • When did you first notice it?
  • Is there standing water?
  • How did the loss happen?

Once we’re on the scene, our trained technicians will assess the damage, examining the category and class of the damage.

Categories of Water Damage

Determining the severity of the damage is crucial for planning the necessary water damage repair and water removal.

 Category 1 = clean water, which doesn’t pose a threat to humans. Causes could include broken appliances or sink overflows.

Category 2 = gray water. This water is contaminated and could cause illness if ingested, as it contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps, and seepage can lead to category 2 water damage.

Category 3 = black water. This water is unsanitary, harboring bacteria and other organisms that can cause sickness. Sources of black water damage can include sewage issues and contamination of standing water.

 Classes of Water Damage

The class of damage is critical when evaluating water damage repair options.

Class 1 is the least harmful. Materials absorb very little water from this type of damage. Water damage repair is simplest in this scenario.

Class 2 involves a fast rate of evaporation, potentially damaging carpets and cushions. Water damage repair is more challenging with class 2 damage.

Class 3 features the fastest rate of evaporation. Here, water may come from broken sprinklers or other overhead sources, soaking walls and furniture.

Class 4 requires special water restoration and water removal procedures. This damage may affect hardwood floors, plaster, and concrete.

If your home or business experiences a water loss or water damage, make us your first call. Dry Patrol is the leading water removal and restoration company in the business, committed to safeguarding your biggest investment.

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