The number that matters: water category

Restoration pros work from the IICRC S500 water categories — clean water (Category 1, e.g. burst supply lines), gray water (Category 2, e.g. appliance discharge), and black water (Category 3, sewage or floodwater). The category decides the safety protocol, the equipment, and which materials can be saved versus removed. Ask every contractor which category your job falls in — it tells you instantly whether their plan makes sense.

Browse by state

• Oregon water damage restoration guides (12 cities)
• Washington water damage restoration guides (10 cities)
• Arizona water damage restoration guides (19 cities)
• Idaho water damage restoration guides (9 cities)
• Utah water damage restoration guides (8 cities)
• Texas water damage restoration guides (12 cities)
• Colorado water damage restoration guides (3 cities)
• Florida water damage restoration guides (3 cities)
• Georgia water damage restoration guides (3 cities)
• California water damage restoration guides (3 cities)

More cities

• Cary, NC
• Henderson, NV
• Leesburg, VA

Specialized guides

• Burst Pipe Water Damage: What to Do
• Sewage Backup Cleanup: Safety & Process
• Basement Flooding Cleanup Guide
• Ceiling Water Damage Repair Guide
• Hardwood Floor Water Damage: Save or Replace
• Mold After Water Damage: What To Do
• Water Damage Insurance Claims Guide
• Emergency Water Damage Checklist
• Slab Leak Detection & Repair Guide
• Commercial Water Damage Restoration Guide
• Storm & Hurricane Flood Damage Restoration Guide
• Water Heater & Appliance Leak Guide
• Roof Leak Water Damage Repair Guide

85 city guides + 13 specialized guides · Data last verified October 2026