Understanding the Categories of Water Damage

Oh no! You’ve experienced a flooding or sewage emergency inside your home. What happens next?

How to address water damage in your home depends heavily on the type of wastewater you’re dealing with. The categories of water damage are determined by the Institute of International Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), though depending on who you ask, they may go by different names.

Knowing the types of water damage and their severity helps you determine the appropriate cleanup, restoration process, and whether or not it’s covered by insurance.

What Are the Categories of Water Damage?

Water damage is classified into three categories based on the source and level of contamination. These classifications help determine the necessary cleanup methods and precautions.

• Category 1 (Clean Water): Water from a sanitary source, posing minimal health risks.
• Category 2 (Greywater): Contains contaminants that may cause illness if ingested.
• Category 3 (Blackwater): Highly contaminated water that can cause serious health hazards.

Classifying water into different categories helps you know how to tackle cleanup. For example, if you have a small Category 1 water leak on your hands, you might be able to clean up the problem yourself.

But if you’re dealing with a Category 2 or 3 leak, then you’ll need professional water cleanup services to restore your home. These types of restorations are more expensive because of the extra cleaning and safety procedures required.

Category 1 Water Damage: Clean Water

Category 1 water damage refers to water that originates from a clean and sanitary source. While it may not pose an immediate health risk, it can still cause structural damage and lead to mold growth if you don’t take care of it.

Common sources of Category 1 water damage:

• Broken water supply pipes
• Rainwater or melting snow
• Leaking faucets or water heaters
• Overflowing sinks or bathtubs

Although Category 1 water damage starts as clean water, it can degrade into Category 2 or 3 if you let it go for a few days. Dirt, bacteria, and other pollutants can mix with the clean water, increasing contamination.

Category 2 Water Damage: Greywater

Category 2 water damage, also known as greywater, contains contaminants that can make you sick if you ingest them. This type of water damage requires proper sanitation and cleanup to prevent bacterial growth and health risks.

Common sources of Category 2 water damage:

• Washing machine overflows
• Dishwasher leaks
• Sump pump failures
• Toilet overflows (without solid waste)

Greywater can escalate into Category 3 water damage if you don’t clean it up within 24 to 48 hours. It’s crucial to dry and disinfect damaged areas to prevent mold and bacterial contamination.

Category 3 Water Damage: Blackwater

Category 3 water damage, also called blackwater, is the worst type of water damage. It contains high levels of bacteria, pathogens, and toxic substances that pose serious health risks. You need professional cleanup to safely remove and remediate this type of damage.

Common sources of Category 3 water damage:

• Sewage backups
• Floodwater from rivers or lakes
• Storm surges and hurricanes
• Contaminated groundwater

Exposure to Category 3 water damage can lead to serious health complications, including infections and respiratory issues. Cleanup requires specialized protective equipment, industrial-strength disinfectants, and thorough structural drying.

What Kind of Water Damage Is Covered by Insurance?

If you have homeowners insurance, your policy might include some coverage for water damage. Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage but exclude flood damage, which requires a separate flood insurance policy.

Some types of water damage insurance usually covered on a standard policy include:

• Burst pipes or appliance leaks
• Sudden roof leaks (due to storms)
• Overflowing plumbing systems

The following types of water damage are NOT usually covered by insurance unless you have a specific add-on for them: 

• Gradual leaks due to lack of maintenance
• Sewer backups
• Flood damage from natural disasters

To maximize your insurance claim, document the damage thoroughly with photos and contact your provider as soon as possible. You may also have to provide maintenance logs to prove that the water damage didn’t happen from neglect.

Calling in a professional to assess the damage can also help you get an estimate for repair costs, which insurance companies like to see as well.

How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

Preventative measures can go a long way in minimizing the risks of water damage. If you regularly maintain your plumbing, chances are good you’ll be able to spot issues before they blossom into full-blown water leaks. Here are a few of our favorite tips for preventing water damage in your home:

• Inspect plumbing regularly: Check for leaks, corrosion, and pipe damage.
• Maintain your appliances: Ensure washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters are in good condition.
• Clean gutters and downspouts: Prevent water from pooling around your home's foundation.
• Install a sump pump: This helps prevent basement flooding during heavy rains.
• Monitor water pressure: High pressure can stress pipes and cause leaks.

If water damage does occur, be ready to take immediate action to prevent further damage. Have a plumbing service like Roto-Rooter on speed dial so you can begin the water damage cleanup process right away.

Call Roto-Rooter for Expert Water Damage Restoration

Water damage can be overwhelming, but professional restoration services ensure your home or business is restored safely and efficiently. Roto-Rooter offers 24/7 emergency water damage cleanup, specializing in Category 2 and Category 3 damage.

Why choose Roto-Rooter? We offer a rapid emergency response no matter the time or day. Plus, all of our technicians are equipped with the latest restoration technology to help you with everything from water extraction to mold remediation. Watch this video for more information. 

Call Roto-Rooter today to schedule professional water damage restoration services and protect your property from further harm.