Water Damage Categories 2020

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

The constant threat of severe Summer storms shows that it is important to know the differences of the many different categories of water damage that you could potentially face in your home or business. Each category offers a different level of damage and danger.

Category 1 water damage is considered to be a water loss that comes from clean and/or sanitary sources. Examples of these are water lines, faucets, toilet tanks, fountains, etc. This category normally doesn’t cause any issues other than the damage to your property from the water.

Category 2 water damage is considered to be a water loss that comes from sources with levels of contaminants that can potentially cause illness or discomfort if ingested. Some examples of sources that would cause this are dishwashers, toilet overflow with urine in it, or other sources with “used” water.

Category 3 water damage is considered to be a water loss that comes from sources that are deemed to have dangerously unsanitary contaminants. These can cause serious illness or even death if ingested. This includes water damage caused by sewer backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow containing feces, and stagnant water with bacterial growth.

Understanding the differences between these categories and using that knowledge when needed if you were to encounter water damage in your home or business is extremely important.

Be safe and remember, SERVPRO is here to help!