If you have flooding in your home, it’s important to know what kind of water your belongings are being contaminated with. It’s also a good idea to know the type of water damage you have. Most people aren’t aware, but there are three categories of water and four classifications of water damage. Here’s a little information about each of them.

3 Categories of Water

Category 1

Here, water is clean and doesn’t pose a risk; however, it may be contaminated after it comes into contact with other materials. It is usually water from faucets or toilet tanks.

Category 2

Water in this stage is contaminated by microorganisms and other matter and is possibly unsafe. This water can come from dishwashers or washing machines.

Category 3

Category 3 water is severely contaminated and may contain toxic substances. Category 3 water includes sewer backups or flooding from rivers.

4 Classes of Water Damage

Class 1

This level of damage is minimal; it’s contained to one room and there’s little or no carpet damage.

Class 2

In class 2, water has damaged at least one room that has carpeting. Water has gone at least 12 inches up the walls, but less than 24 inches. 

Class 3

If water has come from above, it may cause class 3 water damage. The walls, carpeting, and subfloor are all saturated in this class.

Class 4

Low permeance materials such as brick or stone are saturated, and it’s considered a specialty drying situation.

If you have flooding or water damage, Hudepohl Restoration will help. They have more than 33 years of home restoration and mold remediation experience and serve clients in Cincinnati, OH, and Louisville, KY. Hudepohl Restoration also provides fire and smoke damage services, and they’re available 24/7 for all your emergencies. In addition, they offer remodeling and roofing services. Give their Louisville office a call at (502) 873-5744 and their Cincinnati office at (513) 398-9691. You can also visit them online to see a complete list of their services.