What Is Category 1 Water Damage?

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Water Categories

Water Categories

So you've got a burst pipe in your building in Willis, TX, and the water damage restoration experts have informed you that you have Category 1 Water Damage. It sounds awful, but what exactly does it mean?

Category 1 - Clean Water
If you're experiencing a flood, this is the least dangerous type. The water is from a clean source, such as a sink overflow, a broken pipe, or a leaky supply line.
The flood is still damaging, but the water is not contaminated. As with all floods, you'll want to arrest the spread of the water immediately to minimize the damage.

Stop the source
Pump or siphon the flood water
Dry materials and contents thoroughly

Since the water source is clean, you have fewer concerns than you would with the other categories of floodwater.

Category 2 - Gray Water
A Category 2 Flood is from a water source that contains contaminants from household use, such as detergents or biological waste. It's not clean water, but it doesn't contain sewage either. The source of gray water is usually a tub, sink, dishwasher, or washing machine that has backed up or overflowed.
Clean-up requires removing any residual chemicals or organic matter left behind after draining and drying is complete.

Category 3 - Black Water
The most serious flood occurs with black water; this is called Category 3 flood damage. The source of this floodwater is sewer backup or toilet overflow. Sewage contains toxic contaminants that need to be eradicated. 
If you have a Category 3 flood, you will likely need professional help to clean the building successfully. Unlike clean water, black water can lead to black mold if not properly treated.
All flooding is damaging and needs to be handled quickly, but Category 1 is the least complicated to clean up. If the flood contains gray water or black water, you may need professional help to remove the contaminants and ensure that your building is properly sanitized and safe for use.