The 4 Types of Water Damage and Why Pretesting Is Necessary

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water categorization and classification are necessary, especially in regards to insurance claims

4 Types of Water Damage

Water damage presents an interesting problem because there are different levels of severity not only to the damage inflicted but also the type of water that caused the problem. There are three basic water types and four levels of classifications to those types. The kind of water can drastically reduce or increase the costs of restoration and the claim filed. For that reason, pretesting is essential to the water mitigation process as it provides an appropriate category and classification.

1. White

White water, or category one, is the least concerning. This water comes from a clean source and poses no real threat to your health. This level of water damage is the least costly type of insurance claim. However, it is important to note that failure to act fast may result in the water becoming contaminated by other sources or items, thereby escalating classification and possibly category.

2. Gray

If pretesting concludes that the water is gray, or category two, that means there is significant contamination. There are elements of both chemical and biological matter found in this category, meaning that the water has the potential to make you ill if touched or consumed.

3. Black

An insurance agent and company will likely instruct you to hire a disaster restoration specialist in the Weedville, AZ, area to remove and repair black, or category three, water. This water is considered dangerous and may even be toxic. The health risks are escalated, and the area likely sealed off until removal and mitigation are finished.

Water categorization and classification is an interesting and necessary process, especially in regards to insurance claims. Without having an accurate understanding of the level of contamination, it can be challenging to make an appropriate claim. Pretesting helps identify the category and level of damage to your home. This early identification means that the claim you make to your insurer is accurate, accounting for the level of loss and restoration that is expected.