Water Damage Complete Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Water Damage Restoration
From emergency response to complete restoration - your comprehensive resource for understanding and managing water damage in any property.
Understanding Water Categories
Not all water damage is the same. The category determines health risks and restoration approach.
Category 1: Clean Water
Water from a clean source like broken water supply lines or overflowing sinks
Common Sources:
- Broken water pipes
- Overflowing bathtubs/sinks
- Rainwater
- Melting ice/snow
Health Risk:
Low initial health risk but can progress to Category 2 within 48 hours
Category 2: Grey Water
Water with significant contamination that could cause illness
Common Sources:
- Washing machine overflow
- Dishwasher overflow
- Toilet overflow (urine only)
- Sump pump failures
Health Risk:
Can cause illness if ingested or contacted with open wounds
Category 3: Black Water
Highly contaminated water containing harmful bacteria and pathogens
Common Sources:
- Sewage backup
- Flooding from rivers/streams
- Toilet overflow with feces
- Standing water with microbial growth
Health Risk:
Serious health hazard - can cause severe illness or death
Water Damage Classes: Extent of Damage
Class 1
Minimal water absorption
Part of a room with minimal carpet/materials affected
2-3 days
Class 2
Significant water absorption
Entire room including walls up to 24 inches
3-5 days
Class 3
Greatest water absorption
Walls, ceilings, insulation, carpet, sub-floor saturated
5-7 days
Class 4
Specialty drying situations
Hardwood, plaster, brick, concrete, stone materials
7+ days
Critical Response Timeline
Every hour matters in water damage. Here's what needs to happen when.
critical
- Stop water source if safe
- Call Disaster Recovery
- Document with photos/video
- Remove valuable items
urgent
- Extract standing water
- Start drying process
- Notify insurance
- Begin mitigation
important
- Complete water extraction
- Set up drying equipment
- Monitor moisture levels
- Prevent mould growth
monitoring
- Continue drying
- Check for mould
- Assess damaged materials
- Plan restoration
Property-Specific Water Damage Guides
Residential Properties
Specialized guidance for residential water damage
Commercial Properties
Specialized guidance for commercial water damage
Industrial Properties
Specialized guidance for industrial water damage
Common Water Damage Sources
Burst Pipes
Complete guide to burst pipes water damage
Roof Leaks
Complete guide to roof leaks water damage
Appliance Failure
Complete guide to appliance failure water damage
Sewage Backup
Complete guide to sewage backup water damage
Storm Flooding
Complete guide to storm flooding water damage
Foundation Leaks
Complete guide to foundation leaks water damage
Water Damage Insurance Coverage
✓ Usually Covered
- Sudden burst pipes
- Storm-related water damage
- Accidental overflow
- Ice dam damage
- Wind-driven rain
✗ Often Excluded
- Gradual leaks
- Lack of maintenance
- Flood damage (needs separate coverage)
- Sewage backup (may need endorsement)
- Seepage through foundation
Experiencing Water Damage Now?
Don't wait - every minute counts. Our 24/7 emergency team is ready to respond immediately.
Remember the Critical First Steps:
Stop the water source if safe
Call us immediately
Document everything
