Three Types of Water Damage - Important to Know the Difference

3/15/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage is categorized into three different types based on the SOURCE where the water loss came from.

Common sources of water losses are broken water pipes, defective appliances, natural disasters, and structural failures.

These losses can happen to any home or business owner, and understanding the different types can help you appreciate what SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties technicians must do to classify and clean up various contaminants.

Category One - Clean Water

Clean Water is treated water that does not contain any waste and has not been used. Examples of clean water damages are broken pipes, overflowing sinks, and defective appliances. This type of damage presents few health risks to humans during removal.

Category Two - Gray Water

Gray Water is water that has been used and carries waste products, but does not contain human waste. Examples of gray water damages are overflowing washing machines or toilet overflow with no solid matter. Generally this type of damage is unknown contaminated water. It may present the hazard of spreading diseases and may cause sickness if exposed through touching or drinking.

Category Three - Black Water

Black water is unsanitary water. Examples of Black water are sewage backups and flood water. This type of damage can contain disease-causing organisms as well as possible chemical contaminates.

*The names of water types-clean, gray, or black are not based on actual water color, but what it contains*

*Clean water becomes gray water, and gray water becomes black water, the longer water sits*

Timely mitigation is key in preventing secondary damage to contents and structure. Secondary damage can be mold growth, warped flooring, carpet delimitation, musty odors, etc.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? The faster water is removed, the less damage that will occur. This will ultimately save the property owner and insurance company money and prevent costly repairs to the property.

SERVPRO's goal is to RESTORE rather than replace a damaged structure or contents in order to save time and money for our customers.