Know Your Water Categories and Classes and How to Deal With Them

According the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification), which sets the standards for the cleaning industry and water damage restoration training, there are several different levels and classes involved in liquid destruction. From the IICRC’s S-500 standards, there are three categories describing the type of liquid involved.

• Category 1. This is liquid from a clean and sanitary source, such as faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc. But, category one can quickly degrade into category two. 

Clean this type of water loss by removing the bulk water ASAP (first 24 hours), and drying all wet structures with dehumidifiers and air-movers. 

• Category 2. This category of liquid used to be called grey water, and is described as having a level of contaminates that may cause illness or discomfort if ingested. Sources include dishwasher or washing machine overflows, flush from sink drains, and toilet overflow with some urine but not feces. Sometimes this type of loss can be cleaned but I recommend a professional opinion.

It is recommended to replace carpet pad and drywall damaged by water of this category. Remove Bulk water and dry as above. Treat structure for odors, mold and bacteria.

• Category 3. This is the worst classification and is grossly unsanitary. It could cause severe illness or death if ingested. It used to be called black water, and sources include sewer backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth. 

It is required to replace carpet pad and drywall damaged by water of this category. Remove Bulk water and dry as above. Treat structure for odors, mold and bacteria.

Next are the classes of destruction.

• Class 1. The lowest and easiest to deal with, this has a slow evaporation rate. Only part of a room or area was affected, there is little or no wet carpet, and the moisture has only affected materials with a low permeance rate, such as plywood or concrete.

Depending on category you may want to involve a Professional.

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

Depending on category you may want to involve a Professional.

• Class 3. This class has the fastest evaporation rate, and ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated. The liquid may have come from overhead. 

Call a Professional Immediately!

• Class 4. This class is labeled as specialty drying situations, which means there has been enough liquid and time to saturate materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood, brick, or stone. 

Call a Professional Immediately!