What is Category 2 Water Damage?

Category 2 water is probably the most misunderstood Category of Water. Some restorers feel that Cat 2 water damage isn’t really very contaminated, so they don’t decontaminate sufficiently and don’t protect themselves with appropriate PPE. Other restorers miscategorize Category 1 water sources as Category 2 water damage simply because the water has touched building materials or is otherwise minimally contaminated. Category 2 water is significantly contaminated and can cause harm to people. Restorers should take it seriously.

What is Gray Water and How Does it Relate to Category 2 Water Damage?

The IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration classifies water contamination into three distinct categories based on the level of contamination and the associated risks. These categories guide water damage restoration professionals in determining the appropriate mitigation and decontamination procedures. Restorers should have a subscription to all IICRC Standards or, at a minimum, a current copy of the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard.

NOTE: You can only purchase copies directly from IICRC. For a printed ‘book’ S500 click here.. For a subscription to the electronic version of the standards click here.

There is a connection between Category and the terms ‘clean’, ‘gray’, and ‘black’ water, however, the definitions are different. Category refers to the level of contamination as related to a building. ‘Gray’ water relates to drinkability. So, while there is a similar 3 category system, the standard is different.

Category 2 Water: Not exactly “Gray Water” but definitely contaminated

• Definition: Water that is significantly contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness if consumed or exposed to humans. This type of water often contains chemicals, biological contaminants, or other impurities. 
• Source Examples:
  • Dishwasher or washing machine overflow.
  • Toilet overflow (without feces).
  • Sump pump failures.

Category 2 water damage is definitely considered contaminated and requires decontamination processes to make a building safe for occupation.

Health and Safety Risks of Category 2 Water Damage

Category 2 water is defined by IICRC as significantly contaminated water. A building affected by Category 2 water damage is not in a safe condition and can cause harm to workers and occupants. It needs to be decontaminated before use.

Restorers working in a Cat 2 water damage should use appropriate PPE and processes to stay safe. PPE, at a minimum, can include the following:

• Respiratory protection
• Face shield
• Water-resistant protective coverall
• Waterproof boots
• Waterproof gloves

The affected areas of the building should be contained away from the unaffected areas. This is done by installing a containment barrier and negative pressure ventilation. This should be set up so that the negative pressure is in the contaminated area. This draws clean air to the contaminated areas.

In addition to the areas of the building that have been directly affected by Category 2 water damage, restorers will decontaminate areas where contaminants have been tracked or impacted by cross-contamination.

Occupants should stay out of the affected areas until it has been determined that decontamination efforts have made the building safe for reoccupation. 

The Restoration Process for Category 2 Water Damage

Fortunately, Category 2 water damage can be cleaned up and made safe for occupants. The ANSI/IICRC S500 and S520 Standards outline the principles for decontaminating Category 2 water damage. Any guidance on cleanup should be based on these Standards.

Interestingly, the S500 puts the restoration processes for Category 2 and Category 3 water in the same section of the Standard. The processes for Cat 2 and 3 water are much more similar than the processes for Cat 1. Cat 1 is defined as uncontaminated water. Cat 2 and 3 are defined as significantly and grossly contaminated. 

This means that buildings that are impacted by Cat 2 water will need significant decontamination performed by IICRC-certified firms and technicians. The simple overview of processes includes:

• Contain the affected areas away from uncontaminated areas
• Extract contaminated water
• Remove and dispose of highly porous materials saturated with Category 2 water
• Thoroughly wash the remaining structural materials and contents with soap and water
• Apply an appropriate disinfectant according to label directions

After these processes are completed, a Post Remediation Evaluation and, in some cases a Post Remediation Verification should be performed to determine if decontamination efforts can be considered successful. When the building can be considered safe for occupation, restorers should complete structural drying.

Learn Category 2 Water Restoration at Reets Drying Academy

No school is as trusted as Reets Drying Academy for learning how to complete Category 2 water restoration. With over 2000 5-star reviews and 10’s of thousands of students having passed through our classes, restorers around the world know that when you want to know about restoration, you go to Reets!

At Reets Drying Academy, we teach how to apply the principles of Category 2 water restoration that are found in the ANSI/IICRC S500 Water Damage Restoration Standard. Restorers who attend our classes are taught how to care for Category 2 water the right way and how to get paid for it. 

There are a couple of different learning paths to prepare you for Category 2 water restoration projects. At a minimum, you need 2 IICRC certifications: IICRC WRT and AMRT.

1. IICRC WRT LiveStream or WRT/ASD Combo Course In-Person

The fastest path to getting these certifications is to first take our 3 day IICRC WRT LiveStream course. In this amazing class, you will learn water restoration principles and the basics of dealing with Category 2 water damage. We have one almost every wee,k and because it is taught LiveStream, you don’t have to travel. 

Only $249 for 2025 and 20 Free WRT tuitions each week

For our 20th anniversary celebration in 2025, our $549 WRT course is only $249! And each week in 2025, we are giving 20 FREE WRT tuition to students. No Catches, just FREE. Seriously! Check it out because the FREE tuition is first come, first serve.

WRT/ASD Combo Course In-Person

Our most popular water restoration education solution is to attend the IICRC WRT and ASD certification combo class. In 5 days, you not only learn water restoration principles in WRT, but you apply them in the Reets Drying Academy flood house! That means that you aren’t just sitting in class, you are also getting up and working in a water-damaged environment. You start by flooding our house and then drying it. Since a big part of category 2 water restoration is about drying, This combo is the best way to get a solid foundation in water restoration. Book your IICRC WRT/ASD combo class today!

2. IICRC AMRT

IICRC AMRT cannot be taught LiveStream, and you must attend in person. This class takes you deep into the science of dealing with contamination in buildings. This class is a must for anyone remediating Category 2 water damage. Reets Drying Academy holds one AMRT course each month. Check our calendar for the next IICRC AMRT course, and Book your AMRT course now!

Need more information on what our IICRC AMRT is about?

Don’t Wait! Move Your Restoration Career To The Next Level With Reets Drying Academy The Number 1 Rated Academy in The World!

You want to advance your career to the Next Level with higher education. Select the best school to create the best foundation for you to build your best, most profitable career. Reets Drying Academy has helped 10’s thousands of restorers just like you to move to the next level. 

See what a few of our students have said in just a few of our more than 2000 5-star Google Reviews:

Reets drying academy is key to taking your business to the next level. Instruction is top-tier from some of the best in the business.  Do not hesitate to invest in your future by enrolling.

They really set you up to succeed not only for the test but out in the field as well. Everyone involved is amazing. If you want to be certified in WRT or ASD, I highly recommend going to Reets Drying Academy.

Such a great experience. I’m so glad that I chose this location for my IICRC WRT/ASD certifications. I will definitely be back to further my education in the near future.

I will definitely use the information that I learned to bring back home and apply it to my job. I really have a better understanding of my job from taking this class thanks for the opportunity.

Best experience when attending any kind of training/educational class.

Very informative class. I came in knowing nothing about restoration, and I feel more than capable of going out on my first job. It is greatly appreciated!

I would absolutely recommend Reets Drying Academy if you’re someone looking for a fantastic foundation in the Disaster Relief Industry.

This is the second iicrc certification class I’ve taken, and it’s by far superior. The coursework is engaging and enjoyable. I could not recommend this class enough.

This is a fantastic class. You learn the science behind everything, so be prepared for big words but they explain everything super well with lots of visuals to help. I did lots of hands-on learning, and now I feel pretty prepared for everything I learned 🤙

With classes every week, we are ready to help you be the best you can be in your restoration career. Take action! Book your restoration education course today! Don’t wait!

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