category 3 water damage - river flooding home

The 3 Categories Of Water Damage (You Need To Know This!)

ByDino Pelle

There are 3 categories of water damage that can seriously impact your property and your health.

Here’s what you need to know about Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3 water damage so you can identify the problem immediately and protect your home and family.

The 3 Categories of Water Damage

Water damage is divided into three categories, each of which is based on the source and quality of water that causes property damage. In other words, where the water came from, and how safe it is, has everything to do with which category the damage falls into.

According to the IICRC, which makes these classifications, the categories of water “refer to the range of contamination in water, considering both its originating source and its quality after it contacts materials present on the job site.”

Let’s take a look at each category, informally known as Clean Water (Category 1), Grey Water (Category 2), and Black Water (Category 3). Categories are also often referred to as CAT-1, CAT-2, and CAT-3.

What is Category 1 Water Damage?

Category 1 water damage is the official name given to water damage that has occurred from a sanitary water source (water that is considered clean). This is the least problematic type of water damage.

While a CAT-1 event can still cause tremendous amounts of property damage, it does not pose a substantial (health) risk. Because the damage is from clean water, most damaged materials (like wood, furniture, and even wet carpet) can be dried out and salvaged.

Category 1 water damage often comes from these sources:

  • Potable water supply lines (such as the drinking water that comes into your home)
  • Freshwater (such as falling rainwater or melting ice and snow)
  • Water-using fixtures (such as toilet bowls and tanks that aren’t contaminated)
category 1 water damage - water heater flooding
A Category 1 water damage event could come from a burst water heater. Because the water inside the tank is considered clean, this would be a CAT 1 event. However, even though it is unlikely to cause illness if treated properly, this type of event can still cause tremendous damage to a finished basement.

What is Category 2 Water Damage?

Category 2 water damage is considerably worse because it comes from water that has been contaminated or has the potential to cause sickness to those who come in contact with it.

There is less chance that items damaged by a Category 2 event can be dried out and salvaged. But there is a possibility, depending on the amount and type of contamination. Anti-microbial solutions, along with HEPA vacuuming and industrial drying techniques, are used to properly disinfect and salvage any damaged materials.

Sources of Category 2 water damage often include:

  • Water-using appliances (such as overflows from dishwashers, washing machines, and toilet bowls that contained urine)
  • Hydrostatic pressure leaks (these occur mostly in basements)
category 2 water damage - dishwasher flooding in kitchen
What is category 2 water damage? When the water source has the potential to cause illness, it can be considered CAT 2. Often, these come from leaks or floods in water-using appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. The water has chemicals in it (often for cleaning) which makes it more problematic to dry, clean, and restore.

What is Category 3 Water Damage?

A Category 3 water damage event is the most severe type of water damage because it comes from water that is severely contaminated with pathogens, toxins, fungi, and bacteria that can cause tremendous illness, even death, to those who come in contact with it.

It is critical that this type of water damage be dealt with immediately by a professional. Any materials contaminated by this event must be removed. The remaining space must be treated by professionals who have the knowledge, methods, and equipment to restore the property.

  • Sewer lines (sewage and wastewater from backups after the trap)
  • Saltwater sources (such as seawater and ocean water)
  • Contaminated natural water (from polluted waters found in rivers, streams, and wind-driven rain from storms)
what is a category 3 water damage - flooded house interior
This house on a slab foundation has been flooded by a sewer line backup. The “black water” flowing into the home is severely contaminated wastewater that is considered Category 3 water damage.

Final Thoughts

As you might guess, the only type of water damage you should even consider dealing with yourself is Category 1. However, a CAT 1 event that is not dealt with properly can escalate into a CAT 2 event.

It’s much wiser, safer, and less expensive overall, to hire a professional emergency plumber to stop the source of the water damage and a certified water damage company to restore your home to a safe place once again.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you have leaking, flooding, or water damage issues you need to deal with immediately.

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

Similar Posts