The Three Different Categories of Water Damage and How They Impact Your Home

Water damage is never a welcome surprise for any property owner. But did you know that not all water damage is treated the same way? The severity and health risks of water damage depend on the type of water involved. That’s why restoration professionals treat it based on the three different categories of water damage.

At The Homestar Group, we specialize in handling each category of water damage safely and efficiently throughout Atlanta, GA. In this blog, we’ll break down what each category means, what causes it, and why it’s important to have our team help you eliminate the dangers with expert Atlanta water damage restoration.

What Are the Different Categories of Water Damage?

Based on the cause, extent, and level of contamination, water damage is divided into:

Clean Water Damage - Category 1

This type of water damage is ‘clean’ because it’s free from harmful contaminants. Clean water is one of the most common causes of water damage in homes and usually comes from a broken water supply line, overflowing sink, or leaking appliance connected to a clean water source, like a fridge or water heater.

Because the water is considered clean, the initial risk to your health is low. However, if not cleaned up within 24 to 48 hours, even clean water can become contaminated as it comes into contact with dirt, building materials, or bacteria in your home. That’s why quick action is essential, even with clean water damage.

Signs you are dealing with category 1 water damage:

• Clear, odorless water pooling on floors
• Wet carpets or flooring near a burst pipe
• Moisture stains on ceilings or walls after a leak



If you catch the problem early, clean water damage is often easier and less expensive to fix. But waiting too long can escalate it to Category 2 or even Category 3, leading to bigger problems.

Gray Water Damage - Category 2

Category 2 water damage, also referred to as gray water, is a bit more dangerous as it contains some level of contamination. This type of water damage should not be touched or ingested, or it will cause a feeling of discomfort or illness. Gray water might come from appliances that often cause water damage, such as washing machines, dishwashers, bathtub overflows, or toilets that do not contain solid waste.

Category 2 carries detergents, food particles, skin cells, and other organic matter, which make a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. The longer gray water sits, the more dangerous it becomes, potentially shifting to Category 3 if not dealt with quickly.

Signs you are dealing with category 2 water damage:

• Cloudy or slightly dirty-looking water
• Musty or sour odor near the affected areas
• Water leaking from appliances or bathroom drains

Dealing with gray water requires more protective measures and proper sanitization. It’s not something homeowners should try to clean on their own without the right equipment or training.

Black Water Damage - Category 3

Category 3 is the most severe form of water damage. Commonly known as black water, this type contains dangerous contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and solid waste. Black water can result from sewage backups, toilet overflows with feces, floodwaters, or groundwater intrusion during heavy rains.

Category 3 water damage poses a serious health risk and requires professional cleanup. Exposure can lead to respiratory issues, skin infections, and even serious illness if not handled correctly and cleaned professionally. When dealing with black water disasters, we often need to completely remove or replace affected materials, such as carpets, drywall, and furniture.

Signs you are dealing with category 3 water damage:

• Dark, murky, or foul-smelling water
• Visible waste or debris in the water
• Water from storms or sewage backups

This type of damage should never be cleaned up without professional help. The professionals use proper personal protective equipment (PPE), industrial-strength disinfectants, and moisture control tools to do the job safely.

The Homestar Group Can Handle All Three Different Categories of Water Damage

At The Homestar Group, we provide professional water damage restoration in Atlanta for all three different categories of water damage. Whether you’re dealing with a clean water pipe break or a serious sewage backup, our licensed professionals are trained and equipped to handle the situation quickly and safely.

With years of experience serving homes and businesses, we understand how stressful water damage can be. That’s why we’re here to help you restore your property and offer expert tips to prevent future water damage.

Our process includes:

• Fast emergency response to prevent further damage
• Water extraction and structural drying
• Sanitization and odor removal
• Repair and reconstruction as needed
• Mold prevention and indoor air quality checks

Call The Homestar Group Today for Water Damage Restoration in Atlanta, GA!

No matter what type of water damage you’re facing, acting fast is key to protecting your health and your property. If you suspect or see signs of water damage, don’t risk getting exposed to dangers. Call The Homestar Group today at (678) 928-5377 for trusted, professional restoration services in Atlanta, GA, or fill out this online form for a free quote!