San Antonio · Education
Water damage categories explained
Restoration companies classify water to decide how aggressively to clean and what materials to remove.
📞 Call Now(844) 609-3992Why categories matter
The source of the water changes health risk and cleanup scope. A burst supply line treated the same day is not the same as creek floodwater sitting for a weekend.
Quick comparison
| Category | Examples | Typical approach |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Clean | Supply line, tub overflow (clean) | Extract and dry; more salvage possible |
| 2 – Gray | Appliance discharge, sump issues | More cleaning; some materials removed |
| 3 – Black | Sewage, many floods | Aggressive removal and disinfection |
Categories can get worse if water sits. Clean water that soaks dirty carpet for days may be reclassified.
Related: sewage backup · flood cleanup
📞 Call Now(844) 609-3992Honest disclosure: SATX Water Damage Help is a referral service and is not a contractor. We connect San Antonio-area callers with independent local water damage restoration and mold remediation companies. We do not perform the work and do not guarantee pricing or availability. Calls are routed to independent, licensed service providers who may record calls. Availability of providers varies; 24/7 and same-day service are not guaranteed. Always verify a company's licensing (Texas requires a state license for mold remediation), insurance, and references before hiring.