Water categories describe source and contamination conditions. They influence protection, containment, cleaning and material decisions, but they do not replace a room-by-room assessment.
Category 1: sanitary source water
Water from a supply line begins as sanitary, but it can damage materials and change after contact with dirty cavities, flooring layers or prolonged warm conditions.
Fast source control and drying still matter even when the initial source is clean.
Category 2: significantly contaminated water
Some appliance discharges and fixture overflows can contain detergents, organic matter or other contamination. Contents and conditions matter.
The contractor considers time, temperature, material contact and the full travel path rather than relying on the appliance name alone.
Category 3: gross contamination
Sewage and many outdoor flood sources are treated as grossly contaminated. Exposure control and access for cleaning become central to the scope.
Porous materials and hidden layers usually require more conservative decisions when they cannot be reliably cleaned.
Categories can change during the loss
A sanitary source does not remain frozen in time. Warm temperatures, microbial activity and contact with contaminants can degrade conditions.
Report the earliest possible start time and every assembly the water crossed.
Translate the category into a room scope
Ask which rooms and materials are affected, what will be protected, what can be cleaned and why any removal is proposed.
A category label is useful, but a professional plan must translate it into specific actions and boundaries.
Quick checklist
- Source identified
- Time and travel path considered
- Material porosity evaluated
- Containment matched to conditions
- Room-level decisions explained