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The 3 Types of Water Damage

When most people hear the term “water damage,” one of the first things that come to mind is flooding. However, flooding is not the only cause of water damage, and not all water damage occurs in the same manner.

Water damage can be aggravating, but it isn’t always as bad as it appears if you understand the cause and know what to do. Solving a problem without knowing what caused it may be impossible.

This article will explain the different types of water damage and what to do if you encounter one.

Categories of Water Damage

When most people hear the term “water damage,” one of the first things that come to mind is flooding. However, flooding is not the only cause of water damage, and not all water damage occurs in the same manner.

Water damage can be aggravating, but it isn’t always as bad as it appears if you understand the cause and know what to do. Solving a problem without knowing what caused it may be impossible.

This article will explain the different types of water damage and what to do if you encounter one.

Category 1 Damage: Clean Water

No homeowner wants to experience water damage, but if they do, they want it to be category 1 damage. Why? Water from a sanitary source—clean water—causes this damage.

This category includes flooding caused by faulty water supply lines, a broken pipe, a faucet, or a toilet tank. Even though this is the least serious type of water damage, it can quickly worsen if not addressed immediately.

Contact a professional restoration company to handle the situation and prevent further damage. They have the knowledge and equipment to provide excellent service.

Category 2 Damage: Grey Water

This category of water damage refers to damage caused by contaminated water. Grey water is created when water is contaminated with chemicals or other biological contaminants, and it poses health risks to humans and pets.

It is caused by faulty washing machines, dishwashers, toiler overflows, sump pump failures, or fire sprinkler failures. When you have category 2 water damage, make sure you decontaminate all affected materials in addition to the cleanup service.

The water in this category contains microorganisms that pose a significant health risk.

Category 3 Damage: Black Water

You’ve probably guessed that this is the worst type of water damage imaginable, and you’d be correct. This harm is caused by unsanitary water — black water — which contains biohazard waste and other contaminants that, if consumed, can cause serious health problems.

Water from a sewer backup, flooding caused by rising water in rivers, and standing water with microbial growth are all examples of Category 3 water damage. Meanwhile, you may experience category 3 water damage as a result of poor category 2 water damage cleanup; this is why professional assistance is preferable.

Classes of Water Damage

Class 1 Water Damage

Because the absorption rate is slow, this class is the least harmful and easiest to handle. Moisture affects low permeability materials such as concrete or plywood in class 1. Consider a room with minor water damage in a small area but no damage to the carpet.

Keep in mind that class 1 damage will necessitate the use of a professional restoration service, as well as some minor repairs.

Class 2 Water Damage

This water damage is slightly more damaging than class 1. Moisture in the carpet and sometimes the furniture in the affected area affects the entire room or area. In this case, the water has remained at least 12 inches above ground and could cause significant damage to some of the building’s structural components.

Class 3 Water Damage

This category has the highest absorption rate and includes ceilings, sun-floors, carpets, walls, and insulation that soak up water.

Class 4 Water Damage

Wet materials with low permeance are involved in Class 4 water damage. Plaster, hardwood, and concrete with deep saturation pockets fall into this water damage category, and removing moisture from these materials can be difficult.

What Type of Water Damage Will Insurance Cover?

Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover water damage that is sudden and accidental, such as damage caused by frozen pipes, snow, or rain. Remember that insurance does not cover all types of water damage, so it’s critical to contact an emergency restoration service as soon as possible to limit the damage and repair costs.

Need Experienced Restoration Technicians? Call All Pro Restoration

All Pro Restoration can help you with emergency water damage assistance or professional restoration services to restore your home to its former glory. We are quick, dependable, and provide high-quality, low-cost restoration services.

Our skilled technicians are always available and will respond quickly to your call. When you notice a leak or flooding in your home, call All Pro Restoration at 508-250-0590 immediately, day or night.