Categories of Water Damage
One of the most common types of property damage that Austin homeowners experience is from water. Whether from storm damage or a burst pipe, water damage is one of the most frequent insurance claims and can affect virtually every part of the home.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) identifies three categories of water damage based on water pollution level and source. So today, the trusted water damage restoration experts at Austin Fire and Flood are here to discuss the three categories of water damage and what risks they pose.
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Three Categories of Water Damage
Below are the three main types of water damage that homeowners in Austin, TX, can experience.
Category 1 - Clean Water
Category 1 water damage comes from sanitary water that does not pose potential health effects to human occupants. Category 1 water damage often comes from sources like:
- Melting ice and snow
- Toilet tanks (free of chemicals)
- Water supply lines
- Sinks
- Non-contaminated toilets
Even though Category 1 water damage is “clean” and does not pose significant health effects, it can still damage property. Fortunately, restoration contractors can often salvage property that has sustained Category 1 water damage. Fixing Category 1 water damage involves removing standing water and drying affected structures.
Category 2 - Gray Water
Category 2 water damage, or gray water damage, comes from water sources with a significant level of contamination. Category 2 water may contain pathogens or harmful chemicals, such as cleaning detergents. Common sources of Category 2 water damage include:
- Washing machine or dishwasher overflow
- Groundwater seepage
- Contaminated toilet overflow
- Aquariums and other treated water sources
Category 2 water poses potential health effects and can contaminate structures that come into contact with it. Fixing Category 2 water damage typically involves disinfecting affected surfaces such as walls, carpets, and floors to prevent mold growth. Part of water damage restoration often involves mold removal if left untreated.
Category 3 - Black Water
Black water, or Category 3 water damage, is the most severe type of water damage and poses the largest potential for health effects. Black water has significant contamination and can cause severe illness if humans come into contact with it. Common sources of Category 3 water damage include:
- Raw sewage
- Seawater or lakewater
- Contaminated water from storms
- Backflow from waste lines
Black water poses a severe risk and needs removal as soon as possible. Restoration typically involves removing damaged structures and disinfecting floors, carpets, walls, ceilings, stairs, etc. Restoration crews also use HEPA-filter vacuuming to remove finer contamination particles.
Water Categories Can Change
Water damage classifications are not static, and one category can deteriorate into another. For example, Category 1 water left alone can turn into Category 2 water as it picks up contaminants and facilitates mold growth.
As such, it’s in homeowners’ best interests to deal with water damage as quickly as possible. A professional water damage restoration company can remove any standing water and salvage affected structures. Moreover, a restoration company can sanitize affected areas to protect homeowner health.
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Water Damage Services from Austin Fire and Flood
Water damage can compromise the integrity of a home and lead to costly repairs. Austin homeowners can rely on the expert water damage restoration services of Austin Fire and Flood.
If you have any questions about categories of water damage, contact Austin Fire and Flood online or call today at (512) 912-6814 for more information!
