Water Damage Restoration in Snohomish & King Counties, WA

Category 1 – Clean Water

Water from a sanitary source such as a broken supply line, faucet, or appliance overflow, with no significant risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. Left untreated, Category 1 water can degrade into Category 2 within 24–48 hours.

Category 2 – Gray Water

Water with a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if contacted or consumed — for example, discharge from dishwashers, washing machines, aquariums, or a toilet overflow containing urine but no feces. Gray water requires more thorough cleaning, disinfection, and PPE than Category 1.

Category 3 – Black Water (Grossly Contaminated)

Grossly unsanitary water that can cause severe illness or death if contacted or consumed, including sewage backups, flooding from rivers or streams, and any water that has supported microbial growth. Category 3 water requires full containment, specialized PPE, and removal of affected porous materials per IICRC S500 standards.

How the drying process actually works

Extraction removes the standing water, but the real work is drying the materials it soaked into — subfloor, wall cavities, baseboards, framing and insulation. We map the moisture with thermal imaging and meters, then place air movers and dehumidifiers to move water out of the assemblies and out of the building. Readings are recorded every day so drying decisions are based on measurements rather than how a room feels.

Documenting the loss for your claim

Insurance carriers want to see the source of the water, how far it travelled and what it affected. We photograph each affected room, log moisture readings by location, and record the source of the loss in writing. That documentation supports the mitigation invoice and shows the adjuster why the scope was needed.

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Cities We Serve — Water Damage Restoration

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