Category 1 2 3 Water Damage

Category 2 water or grey water that is not promptly removed from the structure and or have remained stagnant may be re classified as category 3 water.

Category 1 2 3 water damage.

It affects only part of a room or area or larger areas containing materials that have. Water grossly contaminated with bacteria can be perfectly clear category 3 water formerly referred to as black water is rarely black and category 2 water formerly referred to as gray water might not be gray. In the s500 water is described relative to its degree of contamination in 3 categories. Category 1 or 2 water can deteriorate to 2 or 3 respectively.

Category 3 black water this is the. If it is not cleaned quickly it can degrade into category 2 leading to health issues for those inhabiting the structure. Once microorganisms become wet from the water intrusion depending upon the length of time that they remain wet and the temperature they can begin to grow in numbers and can change the. Exposure to this type of water may cause discomfort and sickness.

This category includes water sources from sewage seawater rising water from rivers or streams storm surge ground surface water or standing water. Class 1 is the least amount of water absorption and evaporation. Although this water is clean it does not come without risks. Category 2 gray water gray water presents some degree of contamination whether its chemical biological or physical in nature.

The current standard that addresses water damage restoration is the s500 standard and reference guide for professional water damage restoration s500. Refer to the iicrc s500 for complete definitions. This category may include discharged water from the washing machine broken aquariums and leaking water beds. The 4 primary classifications of water damage.

S500 then defines the conditions under which an originally category 1 water damage loss might be considered to have changed its category of water to 2 or 3. Flood restoration category 2 water loss. There is a high risk of injury or death to people livestock and pets from flying. Devastating damage will occur in a category 3 hurricane winds range from 111 to 129 mph.

Category 2 water damage could be the result of broken dishwashers or washing machines overflowing toilets with urine only sump pump failures fire protection sprinkler water and chilled or condensate water. There are significant health risks as well as a high chance of injury associated with the water damage restoration process there are also additional health risks including severe illness and death associated with improperly drying the structure as there is the potential for toxic mold to be left behind as well as structural instability. Image by diego cervo for shutterstock.