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What Are the 3 Categories of Water Damage?

What Are the 3 Categories of Water Damage?

Each year, property owners suffer billions of dollars in water damage losses. In the United States alone, water damage and freezing account for more than 29% of all residential property insurance claims.

Water damage can occur from a variety of causes, including:

  • Storms
  • Floods
  • Leaks
  • Water main breaks

Regardless of the cause, water damage is a serious problem that should be addressed immediately to prevent further harm to your property. The different levels of water damage are divided into three categories.

Category 1

This is water that originates from a clean water source. It could be water from a broken pipe, faucet, or sink. If addressed slowly, category one water damage can turn into category 2 or 3.

Of all the categories, this is the least serious and the easiest to clean up. In most cases, you can take care of it with little more than a sponge and some elbow grease.

However, should the resulting water damage be significant, it’s best to call in a water damage restoration company to handle the cleanup. Any water damage that affects more than 10 square feet should be considered serious and warrant professional assistance.

Category 2

This is water that contains some contaminants. It could be water from:

  • A toilet bowl (urine included)
  • A washing machine
  • A dishwasher

Even water from a broken aquarium can fall into this category. If cleaned up slowly, category 2 water can turn into category 3. That’s why it’s important to take quick action to clean up any water damage before it worsens.

The best way to clean up category 2 water is with a wet/dry vacuum. You can rent one from most hardware stores if you don’t have one. Just make sure to use a vacuum that’s designed for water.

Once you’ve removed as much water as possible, you can begin the cleanup process. Start by wiping down all surfaces with a clean cloth. If the water damage is significant, you may need to use a disinfectant or bleach to ensure all bacteria and germs are eliminated.

When you’ve finished cleaning, take care to dry the area completely. Use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.

Category 3

This is highly contaminated water and could cause serious illness or even death if ingested. It’s often referred to as “black water.” Common sources of category three water include:

  • Floodwater
  • Sewage
  • Runoff from rivers or lakes

Because of the high level of contamination, it’s important to call in a professional water damage restoration firm to handle the cleanup for category 3 water damage. These companies have the necessary training and equipment to clean up such destruction safely.

Additionally, it’s crucial to take caution and avoid contact with category 3 water. This means wearing protective clothing, including:

  • Gloves
  • Boots
  • Face mask

If you come into contact with category three water, wash the affected area immediately with soap and clean water.

Water Damage in Orlando, Florida: Why Public Adjusters Matter

Central Florida public adjusters are important when it comes to water damage in Orlando, Florida. Here’s why:

  • They are experts in insurance claims
  • Public adjusters work for you, not the insurer
  • They understand the ins and outs of water damage
  • They will fight to get you the compensation you deserve

When you are dealing with water damage, time is of the essence. The sooner you schedule an inspection with a public adjuster, the sooner they can begin working on your claim. Don’t wait to call a public adjuster if you’ve suffered water damage.

Receive the Compensation You Deserve

Facing water damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. The last thing you wish for is to deal with the insurance claim process. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through it alone. A public adjuster can help you receive the compensation you deserve.


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