The Three Types of Water Damage Every Homeowner Should Know

10/15/2024 (Permalink)

Whether you’re dealing with clean, grey, or black water, SERVPRO of East Arlington has the expertise and equipment to handle any situation.

Water damage is a common problem that homeowners in the Arlington area face, and it can come from various sources. However, not all water damage is the same. Understanding the different types of water damage—clean, grey, and black water—is crucial for determining the appropriate response and ensuring your home is restored properly. In this blog, we’ll break down the three main categories of water damage, providing tips and insights to help you understand what each type means and how to handle it.

What Are the Types of Water Damage?

Water damage is categorized into three main types based on the level of contamination. Knowing which category you’re dealing with is important because it influences the cleanup process and the precautions you should take.

1. Clean Water Damage

Clean water damage is the least severe type and comes from sources that do not pose a significant risk of contamination. This type of water is free of harmful microbes and chemicals. Common sources of clean water damage include:

• Broken pipes or water supply lines
• Overflowing sinks or bathtubs with clean water
• Rainwater or melting ice and snow

Because clean water is uncontaminated, it is the easiest type of water damage to clean up. However, if left unattended for more than 24 to 48 hours, clean water can degrade into grey water due to microbial growth, making the damage more complicated to take care of.

2. Grey Water Damage

Grey water damage is a step up in severity. This type of water damage involves water that has been used and is now contaminated with chemicals, detergents, or microorganisms. Grey water does not contain fecal matter but can still cause considerable damage if not properly managed. Common sources of grey water damage include:

• Washing machine overflows
• Dishwasher leaks
• Toilet overflows without solid waste
• Sump pump failures

Grey water may contain bacteria and other microbes, so it requires more thorough cleaning and sanitizing than clean water. It is advisable to call a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of East Arlington to ensure all contaminated materials are removed and the affected area is sanitized to prevent further damage.

3. Black Water Damage

Black water damage is the most severe and dangerous type. It involves water that is highly contaminated and may contain harmful bacteria, chemicals, and pathogens. Black water typically comes from:

• Sewage backups
• Flooding from rivers or streams
• Overflowing toilets with fecal matter
• Long-standing water that has microbial growth

Black water damage poses a significant risk to humans and pets and requires immediate and comprehensive remediation. Failure to address black water damage quickly can result in severe property damage. Materials that have been contaminated, such as carpeting, insulation, and drywall, usually need to be removed and replaced. 

How to Handle Different Types of Water Damage

When dealing with water damage, it's important to identify the type of water involved to take the appropriate steps. Here’s a quick guide:

• Clean Water: Quickly remove water with mops or wet vacuums and dry the area using fans and dehumidifiers. Monitor for any signs of deterioration in water quality.
• Grey Water: Wear gloves and protective clothing, and use a disinfectant during cleanup. Remove and replace any affected porous materials like carpet or furniture upholstery.
• Black Water: Immediately evacuate the affected area and contact a professional water damage restoration company like SERVPRO®. Do not attempt to clean up black water damage on your own, as it requires specialized equipment and expertise.

Trust SERVPRO for Your Water Damage Restoration Needs

By knowing the different types of water damage and the appropriate steps to take, you can better protect your home and valuables from the unexpected. Remember, acting fast and knowing what you’re dealing with are key to a successful restoration. 

Whether you’re dealing with clean, grey, or black water, SERVPRO of East Arlington has the expertise and equipment to handle any situation. Contact us today!