Process
Categories Of Water Damage Explained
Clean, gray and black water each require a different response. Here is how professionals classify a loss.
May 8, 2026 · 5 min read
Category 1 — clean water
Water from a supply line, water heater or ice maker. It poses no immediate health threat, and most materials can be dried in place if work starts quickly. Left sitting more than 48 hours, category 1 degrades into category 2.
Category 2 — gray water
Dishwasher and washing machine discharge, toilet overflow without solids, AC condensate. It carries contaminants that can cause illness. Carpet pad and porous materials come out; hard surfaces are cleaned and disinfected.
Category 3 — black water
Sewage, river and floodwater, and any water that sat long enough to become grossly contaminated. Full containment, PPE and removal of all affected porous materials are required, with verification before rebuilding.