Understanding Water Damage Categories & Classes
Not all water damage is the same — and not all water is safe. Restoration professionals use official categories and classes to assess the contamination level and severity of water damage. At EcoRestore Water Damage & Restoration, we use these standards to determine the safest and most effective cleanup strategy for homes in Draper and surrounding Utah cities.
Water Damage Categories (Contamination Level)
The category of water damage refers to how contaminated the water is. This affects both health risks and cleaning procedures:
Category 1 – Clean Water
Water from a clean source such as a broken supply line, sink overflow, or rainwater. This water does not pose immediate health risks, but it can become more contaminated the longer it sits.
Category 2 – Gray Water
Water that contains some contaminants and may cause illness or discomfort. Examples include washing machine overflows, dishwasher leaks, or sump pump failures. This water requires specialized cleanup.
Category 3 – Black Water
Highly contaminated water that poses serious health risks. This includes sewage backups, toilet overflows, and floodwater from rivers or storm drains. Immediate professional removal is required.
Water Damage Classes (Extent of Saturation)
The class of water damage refers to how much of your home is affected and how deeply water has saturated materials:
Class 1 – Minimal Damage
Only a small portion of a room is affected, with low absorption materials like tile or concrete.
Class 2 – Significant Absorption
Water has affected an entire room, including carpets, walls, and cushions. Moisture has wicked up walls but is still manageable.
Class 3 – Extensive Saturation
Water has saturated ceilings, floors, insulation, and walls. Usually from overhead leaks or major floods. Fast, industrial drying is needed.
Class 4 – Deep or Specialty Drying
Water has penetrated hard-to-dry materials like hardwood, brick, or concrete. Specialized equipment and extended drying times are required.
Why These Classifications Matter
Understanding your home’s category and class of water damage helps:
- ✔ Determine proper restoration methods
- ✔ Estimate drying time and cost
- ✔ Document losses for insurance claims
- ✔ Reduce long-term structural risks
Need an Inspection in Draper or Nearby?
If you suspect water damage, contact EcoRestore or call 385-289-3588. We’re available 24/7 in Draper, Sandy, Riverton, and nearby cities for fast assessment and response.