Water damage can strike when you least expect it turning a normal day into one you wish would have never happened. It can come from burst pipes, and overflowing appliance, or even rising water from flooding. While water damage can be sudden and overwhelming, not all water damage is created equal. Understanding the three distinct categories of water damage can help you respond quickly and appropriately, helping you protect your property.
The governing body of Property Restoration Professionals, IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification), developed globally recognized standards for the water restoration industry. The S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration breaks down water damage into 3 categories:
Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3. Below we will discuss the different categories and what makes them unique.
Category 1 – Category 1 water is defined as “Clean Water”, originating from sanitary sources and does not pose substantial harm to humans from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. Though it poses little initial risk, without prompt treatment, it can escalate to Category 2 and thus complicating the restoration process. Examples of Category 1 water include split or burst water supply lines, malfunctioning appliances, overflowing sanitary fixtures, sink or tub overflow (with no contamination), or a broken toilet tank (that does not contain any additives).
Category 2 – Category 2 water or “Grey Water” introduces a higher level of complexity. This water, contains a significant level of contamination, either physical, biological, or chemical and has the potential to cause discomfort or even illness if consumed or contacted by humans. Immediate and thorough cleaning is essential to mitigate health risks. Examples of Category 2 water include a broken aquarium, dishwasher overflow, sump-pump failure flooding from hydrostatic pressure, or a clothing washing machine overflow with detergent.
Category 3 – Category 3 water or “Black Water” is the most severe. This water contains pathogenic agents that are hazardous to one’s health. It can contain thing you do not want to think about – human waste, chemicals, and other disease-causing agents. Examples of Category 3 water include, sewage back flows (may contain unknown contaminants beyond human waste) all forms of ground surface water, sea water and flooding from rivers and streams (contains organic contaminants), water that contains medical waste, and waste-line back flows that originate from below and trap.
Water damage can be stressful, but knowing how to identify and respond to each category can make all the difference. Whether you are dealing with clean water or black water, timely action and the right approach are key to minimizing damage and keeping your property safe. If you ever find yourself unsure of the severity or what the next steps are, don’t take chances and call a professional restoration company. Until next time my friends, be prepared and stay safe.
Reference: “How to identify the different categories of water damage” by The KnowHow Team
