Categories of Water

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

This is a Cat 3 water loss because it was a sewer backup in a basement.

A categorization of the level of contamination of water in a damaged structure is required to perform loss assessments and evaluation activities. The category of water contamination must be considered so that the correct procedure can be established for processing water damaged structure and materials. Water damage is divided into three (3) categories.

Category 1: Water that originates from a sanitary source that does NOT pose a substantial harm to humans. Examples include: broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflow, melting snow and ice, falling rainwater, broken toilet tanks and bowls that do NOT contain contaminants.

Category 2: Water contains a significant level of contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans. Examples include: discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls with some urine but no feces, broken aquariums and punctured water beds. Also, any water that has traveled through building materials.

Category 3: Water that is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Elderly, anyone under the age of two, anyone with a compromised immune system, respiratory problems or allergies should not occupy the job site until the home or building is safe. Examples include sewage, toilet back-flows that originate from beyond the trap, all forms of flooding and other contaminated water entering or affecting the indoor environment.

SERVPRO is an IICRC certified firm and able to professionally assess any water disaster for health and safety reasons as well as the proper drying techniques. We are the premier water mitigation and restoration company.