4 Classes of Water Loss & When You Need Water Removal Services

When water damage occurs, one of the first steps in the restoration process is assessing the type and severity of the property loss. Not only do these factors impact the overall cost of the water removal, but they also determine the exact water removal services needed to restore the home back to its pre-loss condition.

In fact, the class of water damage loss is one of the most important factors because it refers to the amount of water, rate of evaporation, and the type of wet materials. In order to better plan a restoration or water removal, homeowners should read this guide and learn more about the four water loss classes and the role of a water mitigation company in addressing these issues.

Class 1: Slow Rate of Evaporation

Class 1 water damage is usually the easiest to clean up, so many homeowners opt to DIY the process rather than hire a contractor for the job. A water loss is considered class 1 if it is contained in a relatively small area and the overall damage is minimal. This means that the affected items haven’t absorbed a lot of water, so they can typically be dried easily. These materials usually have low porosity and can include:

• Concrete
• Plywood
• Vinyl Tiles
• Particle Board
• Structural Wood

Since class 1 water loss is usually quick and easy to clean up, it is also more affordable if homeowners choose to hire a professional water damage restoration company in Columbia, MO.

Class 2: Fast Rate of Evaporation

When water loss spreads and affects an entire room, it gets upgraded to class 2. This is one of the easiest classes for homeowners to identify because of its magnitude. It differs from more severe losses because it is expected for the water to evaporate very quickly.

Class 2 water damage typically costs a lot more than class 1 because it impacts more materials. In fact, it can severely wet flooring, carpets, furniture, and more. However, it typically doesn’t have water absorption above the 2-feet mark on the walls. In such cases, choosing the right water damage company becomes critical to ensure proper restoration.

Class 3: Fastest Rate of Evaporation

Though not always, class 3 water damage losses usually occur when the water comes from overhead. For example, some of the most common sources of class 3 water loss include pipe bursts and water from collapsed ceilings. These issues result in severe saturation of the home’s:

• Ceilings
• Walls
• Flooring Materials
• Subfloor
• Insulation
• Cushions
• And More!

Class 3 is one of the worst losses a home can suffer because it includes damage to the entire property–not just one room. The rate of evaporation is also faster than any of the other classes. As some of the most severe water damage losses, it’s important that homeowners request water removal services right away. Otherwise, there is a risk of secondary issues, such as rot and mold.

Class 4: Speciality Drying Situations

At the worst end of the spectrum is class 4 water damage loss. These situations are caused by major water damage. Most often, this type of loss comes from something like a severe flood. Similar to class 3 losses, class 4 losses encompass the entire property, and there is a high level of water remaining in the house. As a result, these types of jobs are often extremely damaging and usually take much longer than any of the other classes. 

Since this class of loss requires a significant amount of water extraction and drying time, homeowners can expect to pay a lot of money for water removal services. However, they may be able to get homeowners insurance coverage to pay for the damage.

When to Hire a Professional for Water Removal

Though some class 1 water damage is easy enough for homeowners to DIY, it’s recommended that all other classes be taken care of by professionals. These companies have the proper tools to expedite the drying and water extraction phases. They also have plenty of knowledge and experience that allows them to create custom and effective plans. 

While it might be more expensive to request water removal services, homeowners can save themselves more money in the long run by ensuring that the job is done right. If a homeowner attempts to DIY the job unsuccessfully, they could end up with more damage and issues down the road.

Find out More About Classes of Water Loss and Benefits of Water Removal Services

Still not sure how to classify water loss? A professional water damage restoration company can help. Local customers should contact ABC Environmental Contracting Services in Columbia to request an in-home assessment of their water damage loss. They can request 24/7 emergency services by calling (573) 928-2668. The company even has a simple online form that homeowners can submit to request a free quote for water removal services.