Categories of Water

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is not an experience that most people truly anticipate occurring in their home, but as long as there is water running in pipes, it will be a risk. In the event of a water loss happening at your property, it is important to respond quickly to ensure your home is properly cleaned and restored. SERVPRO® of Greenville/Cleveland follows the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Standard guidelines when handling a water loss. To make the process a little easier to understand, below we have described the categories of water we often work with.

Category 1

The least severe water category on the IICRC scale, is category 1, also known as “clean water”.  Water damage in this category often originates from broken pipes or supply lines, the overflow from a sink or bathtub, and various appliance problems. Due to this water being sewage and toxin-free, it is recognized as less severe. However, if left to stagnate or if it comes into contact with other services or materials, the category could change. Typically, most damage that occurs because of a category 1 loss can easily be dried by a team of SERVPRO® professionals.

Category 2

“Grey water,” also known as category 2 water come from appliances like toilets bowls, discharge from washing machines or dishwashers, seepage from hydrostatic failure, and sump pump backups. There is a chance that this water contains microorganisms, in addition to organic or inorganic matter (chemical or biological). It is important to remove any affected items and materials, then immediately disinfect and sanitize the home, as the waste and chemicals of the category 2 water.  

Category 3

The final category is known as “black water”. This water is grossly contaminated and likely to contain toxigenic or pathogenic agents that can be harmful. Category 3 water may contain organic material (sewage), pesticides, carry silt, heavy metals, and/or toxic organic substances.  These types of losses occur when it comes from the following: soiled toilet bow water, sewer backup, rising water from rivers or streams, ground or service water, and seawater. Black water damage is the most extreme and extensive kind of water damage that requires swift action to mitigate, as well as significant disinfecting.

SERVPRO® of Greenville/Cleveland is “Faster to any size disaster®” and features skilled IICRC-certified technicians ready to help. If you have experience and need guidance on the next steps to take, give us a call at 662-846-1700!