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Category 1: Clean water

Water from a clean source, such as a supply line or a broken water heater, with no contaminants. It poses the lowest health risk but can still cause significant property damage.

Category 2: Gray water

Water that contains some contamination, such as from a washing machine overflow or a dishwasher malfunction. It requires more caution than Category 1 water.

Category 3: Black water

Grossly contaminated water, such as sewage backups or floodwater from outside the home, which may contain bacteria, chemicals, or other hazardous material. It requires specialized handling and, often, disposal of affected porous materials.

Why the category changes the approach

Category 3 situations generally can't be handled with a standard clean-water approach; providers experienced with contaminated water follow different safety and sanitization protocols.

Category 1

Clean Water

From a clean source like a supply line or water heater. Lowest health risk, but still causes real property damage.

Category 2

Gray Water

Contains some contamination, such as washing machine or dishwasher overflow. Requires more caution than Category 1.

Category 3

Black Water

Grossly contaminated, such as sewage or outside floodwater. Requires specialized handling and often material disposal.

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Frequently asked questions

Can a category change over time? +
Yes. Clean water left standing for an extended period can develop into gray or black water as bacteria grow, which is another reason speed matters.
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