| Category 1 (Clean) | Category 2 (Gray) | Category 3 (Black) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source examples | Supply line, fresh pipe burst, rainwater (clean roof) | Dishwasher discharge, washing machine overflow, urine | Sewage, outdoor flood, storm surge, long-standing water |
| Contamination level | Minimal — sanitary at source | Some contamination, health risk with contact/ingestion | Severe contamination, biohazard |
| PPE required | Gloves, eye protection | Gloves, eye protection, respirator (N95) | Full PPE: P100 respirator, Tyvek suit, boot covers |
| Materials handling | Most materials dry in place | Many dry in place; some porous items removed | All affected porous materials disposed |
| Can become a higher category | Yes — becomes Cat 2 after 48 hours, Cat 3 after 72 | Yes — becomes Cat 3 after 48 hours | Remains Cat 3 |
| Typical price multiplier | Baseline | 1.4× baseline | 2× baseline |
| Insurance implication | Standard sudden-and-accidental coverage | Standard coverage with category-2 scope | Higher scope, biohazard documentation required |
Fresh burst pipe, water heater failure, ice-maker leak — clean water from a sanitary source within the first 48 hours.
Appliance overflows, minor sewer backups, long-standing Cat 1 water that has progressed beyond 48 hours.
Main-line sewage backup, exterior floodwater, any water from outdoor sources containing fecal coliform, any prolonged water event beyond 72 hours.
Category escalates with time. Cat 1 water becomes Cat 2 after 48 hours; Cat 2 becomes Cat 3 after another 48 hours. Fast response keeps water damage in the lowest (cheapest, cleanest) category.
Frequently Asked
Can I clean Category 3 water myself?
No. Category 3 water is a biohazard containing fecal coliform, pathogens, and contaminants. DIY Cat 3 response creates serious health risks. Professional remediation with full PPE and S500 disposal protocols is required.
How do I know what category my water damage is?
Source determines initial category. A burst copper supply line is Cat 1. A dishwasher leak is Cat 2. A main-line sewer backup is Cat 3. Time elevates category — any water standing 48+ hours should be treated as at least Cat 2.
Does insurance cover all three categories?
Most Texas homeowner's policies cover sudden and accidental water damage of any category. Cat 3 claims require more documentation (biohazard scope, disposal manifests). Flood-source Cat 3 may require separate NFIP coverage.