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Water Damage Categories & Classes

You are here: Home / Water Damage / Water Damage Categories & Classes
Last Updated on: April 5, 2023

There are several different categories and classes when it comes to water damage, according to the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) which sets the standards for the cleaning industry and water damage restoration training. Depending on the category and class of water involved in a water damage emergency, it will ultimately determine the best course of action in mitigating the damage and determine the most effective procedure for proper cleanup and restoration of water damage.

We find that by better familiarizing yourself with the water damage restoration process, it’ll allow you to not only better understand what’s going on in your home but will also give you peace of mind.


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Categories of Water Damage

Category 1

Often classified as “Clean Water,” Category 1 refers to when water comes from a clean and sanitary source, and does not pose a significant threat to human lives, however, the water may become contaminated as it mixes with the soil or within floor coverings or building assemblies (e.g., walls, decking, subflooring). Depending on the current temperature and the amount of time water is left untreated, the environment may promote the growth of bacteria and mold, causing Category 1 to degrade fairly quickly to Category 2.

Examples of Category 1 Water Damage:

  • Broken water lines
  • Burst water pipes
  • Bathtub overflows
  • Sink overflows
  • Appliance failed supply lines
  • Vertically falling rainwater

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Category 2

Often classified as “Grey Water,” Category 2 refers to when water has a significant level or degree of chemical, biological, or physical contaminants and may pose a health risk and may cause some discomfort or illness if ingested or even exposed to. Due to quick bacteria and mold growth, Category 2 can become Category 3 if left untreated for 2 days or more.

Examples of Category 2 Water Damage:

  • Dishwater overflows
  • Washing machine overflows
  • Flush from sink drains
  • Sump pump failures
  • Toilet overflow with urine (no feces)

Category 3

Often classified as “Black Water,” Category 3 refers to when water is highly contaminated with disease-causing organisms or toxins and may cause severe illness or even death if consumed by humans. This is often the case as the primary source of black water is sewage (hence the name) and may also occur during a flood, due to the potential for chemicals found in fertilizers, animal waste, ground debris, and other contaminated areas that are considered unsanitary.

Examples of Category 3 Water Damage:

  • Sewage
  • Toilet overflows with feces
  • Rising floodwater from rivers and streams
  • Ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes

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Classes of Water Damage

Class 1

The lowest and easiest to deal with of the four categories, Class 1  has a slow evaporation rate and has only affected a partial area of the home or site. With little or no carpet water damage, the moisture has only affected materials with a low permeance rate, such as plywood or concrete.

Class 2

With a fast evaporation rate, Class 2 affects an entire room, carpeting, or cushioning. The water damage has wicked up the walls at least 12”, and there is moisture remaining in structural materials.

Class 3

Class 3 has the fastest evaporation rate, and ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet, and sub-floors are all saturated. It’s possible that the water damage may have come from overhead.

Class 4

Labeled as specialty drying situations, Class 4 means there has been enough water and time to saturate materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood, brick, or stone.


Not all water is created equally. And understanding the different categories and classes of water is imperative in the water damage restoration process.

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Emergency Restoration Services specializes in water damage mitigation, restoration and cleanup services - providing professional structural drying and water extraction to both residential and commercial property owners throughout Florida. We'll remove all standing water and dryout all affected building material to restore your home or office to its original condition. No job is too big or too small. And since we work with the insurance company, but not for them, our commitment is to you and your needs. ERS will take complete care of you and guide you through the entire process of getting your property back to normal as quickly as possible. It’s Your Home. And Our Promise.

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