Classes and Categories of water damage

In this section you will learn all about the different classes and categories of water damage.

Classes of water damage

There are four levels of water damage, which are used to describe the extent of the problem and the level of response required.

Class 1

This is the lowest of the four levels, where minimal harm has been caused.

Class 2

At this level, water damage has spread beyond a localised area. Soft furnishing may be affected and there will be a smell of damp. It’s likely that the restoration process will be more complex.

Class 3

This applies to cases of water damage where structural aspects of the building, such as floors, walls, and ceilings, have been exposed to large volumes of water. The restoration process will be more involved and will require a thorough investigation.

Class 4

This is the most severe level of damage, where the structure of the building has been deeply saturated. Restoration should be carried out by qualified and experienced damage management specialists who have the relevant skills and necessary drying equipment.

Categories of water damage

The severity of water damage corresponds to the type of water involved. This is broken down into one of three categories:

Category 1:  Clean Water

Water that is uncontaminated at source and does not present a health risk.

Category 2: Greywater

Water that has become contaminated with bacteria or pollutants. It is unsafe for consumption and likely to cause illness.

Category 3: Blackwater

Foul-smelling and containing high levels of harmful contaminants, such as bacteria and toxins. Presents a clear and potentially serious risk to health.

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