Water damage can strike at any time—whether from a burst pipe, heavy rain, appliance failure, or sewage backup. Acting quickly is critical to protect your property and prevent costly repairs. Below is a breakdown of how water damage is classified, why it matters, and what you should do if it happens in your home or business.

• Mold Growth: Mold can begin forming in as little as 24–48 hours after water exposure.
   
• Structural Damage: Prolonged moisture can weaken drywall, flooring, insulation, and framing.
   
• Health Risks: Contaminated water can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins.
   
• Hidden Moisture: Water often seeps into wall cavities, under flooring, and behind cabinets, making it harder to detect without professional equipment.
   

Water damage is divided into three categories, based on the level of contamination and potential health risks:

• Source: Broken water supply lines, faucets, appliance malfunctions.
   
• Characteristics: Water is clean and poses minimal health risk.
   
• Concerns: If left untreated, Category 1 water can degrade into Category 2 or 3 as bacteria grow.
   

• Source: Dishwasher leaks, washing machine overflow, aquarium leaks, toilet overflows (without feces).
   
• Characteristics: May contain chemicals, detergents, or microorganisms.
   
• Concerns: Can cause illness if ingested or if it comes in contact with skin. Requires professional cleanup.
   

• Source: Sewage backups, flooding from rivers/oceans, storm surges, water with visible contaminants.
   
• Characteristics: Grossly contaminated and highly dangerous.
   
• Concerns: Poses serious health risks and requires full professional remediation, disinfection, and often removal of affected materials.
   

The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) defines water damage by four classes, based on how much water has spread and how difficult drying will be:

• Class 1 – Minimal Damage:
  Only part of a room is affected. Materials have absorbed little moisture, making cleanup and drying straightforward.
   
• Class 2 – Significant Damage:
  Water has saturated carpets, cushions, and porous materials. Moisture has wicked up walls less than 24 inches.
   
• Class 3 – Extensive Damage:
  Water has saturated walls, ceilings, insulation, and flooring. Large volumes of water absorption and evaporation are present.
   
• Class 4 – Specialty Drying:
  Water has saturated materials that are hard to dry, such as hardwood, plaster, brick, or concrete. Requires advanced drying methods and equipment.
   

• Mold & Mildew Growth – Unchecked moisture can cause dangerous mold infestations.
   
• Odor & Air Quality – Lingering dampness creates musty smells and poor indoor air quality.
   
• Electrical Hazards – Water exposure can compromise wiring and electrical systems.
   
• Insurance Claims – Quick documentation and professional assessment are critical for maximizing coverage.
   

1. Ensure Safety First – Turn off electricity in affected areas if safe to do so.
    
2. Stop the Source – Shut off the water supply or fix the leak if possible.
    
3. Call a Professional – Quick professional intervention reduces costs and damage.
    
4. Document the Damage – Take photos and keep receipts for insurance claims.
    
5. Don’t Delay – Every hour counts in preventing secondary damage.
    

✅ Pro Tip: Even if surfaces appear dry, moisture often hides beneath flooring, inside walls, and behind cabinets. Professional moisture meters and thermal imaging are essential to detect and properly dry hidden water.

👉 At Disaster Cleanup Services, Inc., we are certified water damage restoration experts. Whether it’s a small leak or a major flood, our team responds 24/7 with the equipment, training, and expertise to restore your property safely.

📞 Call us anytime for immediate help.