What Are the Water Damage Categories?

Flood Damage Restoration

Water damage can come in many shapes and forms. That’s why professionals who specialize in it have systems to organize the levels of water damage into different categories and classes.  By doing this, it’s easier to respond more efficiently and effectively when it occurs. 

Let’s discuss the different categories of water damage, the four classes, and how PureDry can help with any level of water damage. 

Three Categories of Water Damage

There are three categories of water damage that describe how hazardous the water is. 

Category 1 Water Damage

Category 1 water damage involves damage coming from a clean water source where the water doesn’t pose a significant health hazard. 

Some examples of Category 1 water damage include: 

  • Broken supply pipe
  • Rainwater
  • Clear rub overflow

Category 2 Water Damage

Category 2 water damage occurs when water is visibly contaminated and could lead to illness if ingested or contacted. This category of water often acts as a breeding ground for bacteria that typically contain dangerous organic and inorganic matter. 

Some examples of Category 2 water damage include: 

  • Washing machine run-off
  • Toilet overflow
  • Broken aquariums
Flood Damage Restoration

Category 3 Water Damage

Category 3 water damage describes water that contains dangerous matter, ranging from pathogenic to toxic agents. Any contact with Category 3 water is potentially harmful. 

Examples of Category 3 water damage include: 

  • Sewage
  • Flooding sweater
  • Septic backup
  • Any contaminated ground surface water

Four Classes of Water Damage

There are four classes that describe the extent of the water damage. 

Class 1

Class 1 water damage refers to water damage that’s minimal in scope. This category of damage may only cover part of a room or area. The damage to the materials in that space may be minor, with only minimal water absorption. 

Class 2

Class 2 water damage occurs when more significant water damage occurs, with water saturating a room full of cushions and carpet. Water will likely seep into the particleboard and structural wood, as well as concrete. 

Class 3

Class 3 water damage describes damage where water may have come from overhead. With class 3 damage, walls, ceilings, carpets, and even insulation could be saturated with water. 

Water Damage Repair on Ceiling

Class 4

Class 4 water damage refers to water damage where even water-resistant materials like bricks, concrete, and stone are affected. Class 4 damage is typically severe and requires specialized treatment methods and longer drying times. 

Expert Water Restoration With PureDry 

At PureDry, we acknowledge the gravity of water damage concerns. Committed to providing exceptional accessibility, our dedicated live representatives are at your service around the clock. When you reach out to us, we will dispatch a skilled technician to your home as soon as possible, ensuring quick containment of the water damage.

Ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience is one of our top priorities. We take care of the entire water restoration process, giving you the peace of mind to unwind while we diligently work to restore your home to its pre-water damage condition. Contact us today!

PureDry works with the following insurance companies.

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