The ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard splits every water loss into three contamination categories and four absorption classes. Knowing which is which helps you bargain with adjusters and avoid unnecessary demolition.
Categories – What’s in the water?
- Category 1 (Clean): broken supply-line, rain through roof. Salvageable with rapid drying.
- Category 2 (Gray): dishwasher or washing-machine discharge. Contains soap residues and microbes—carpet pad usually trashed.
- Category 3 (Black): sewage backup, river flood. All porous materials must go.
Classes – How much got wet?
| Class | Typical scene | Estimated dry-time* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minimal absorption (concrete floor) | 1–2 days |
| 2 | Entire room, wet carpet & pad | 3–5 days |
| 3 | Ceiling & insulation saturated | 5–7 days |
| 4 | Specialty drying (brick, crawlspace) | 7 days + |
Why you should care
- Insurers reimburse differently by category; black water pay-outs are higher but strict.
- Dry-times determine hotel stays and business interruption costs.
- Mis-classifying can void warranties on hardwood and cabinetry.
Unsure which box your loss ticks? Call (888) 641-7001 for a free moisture-mapping assessment.
