
1. Gather Information:
2. Moisture Inspection Process
3. Determine extent of moisture and migration.
4. Establish Drying Goals
5. Determine the Category of Water
Category 1:
Originates from a sanitary water source and poses no substantial risk to humans. E.G., water supply pipe burst, tub overflow, sink overflow, appliance supply water supply malfunctions, melted ice or snow, falling rainwater, broken toilet tank, broken toilet bowl without contaminants, etc. Many category one losses become category 2 losses when the water contacts other "less clean" surfaces within the structure or remains for 24 hours.
Category 2:
Water that contains significant contamination and could potentially cause discomfort or illness if contacted or consumed by humans. E.G., dishwasher leak, washing machine overflow, toilet bowl overflow (not sewage back-up), foundation seepage, broken aquariums, and water bed leaks. Category two water can deteriorate to category 3 for many reasons including untimely removal, contact with more contaminated surfaces, elevated temperatures, and other circumstances.
Category 3:
Grossly unsanitary water potentially containing pathogenic, toigenic, or other harmful contaminates. E.G., Sewage back-up, toilet back up, seawater, ground surface water, stream or river water, and wind-driven rain from severe weather events.