The Different Types of Water Damage: Clean, Grey, and Black Water

12/16/2024 (Permalink)

When a property deals with water damage, especially water damage that comes from issues in a building’s plumbing system or appliances, it is essential to understand that different types of water can require different responses and cleanup. Water damage is often categorized into three main categories: clean, grey, and black. These categories breakdown water damage from the safest to the most hazardous. This article will define each water type, provide examples, and explain how this water damage can be handled. 

What Is Clean Water In Regards To Water Damage?

Clean water refers to water that comes from a clean source. For example, if a faucet breaks or a supply breaks, that water would be as clean as the water that usually comes out of the faucet. The water damage does not pose an initial threat to the health and safety of the occupants but still needs to be cleaned up to prevent water damage caused by excess moisture.

What Is Grey Water Regarding Flooding? 

Grey water refers to contaminated water. For example, if a washing machine or dishwasher overflows or starts leaking, the water will be contaminated with soap, bleach, dirt, and debris. Grey water poses some potential health risks if someone were to touch it or accidentally consume it. The water may be filled with bacteria, which might lead to mold growth. When cleaning up grey water, water damage cleanup crews need tower protective equipment to prevent coming into contact with the water. 

What Is Black Water?

Black water refers to water that is especially hazardous to someone’s health. This would be water containing pathogens, human waste, or other materials that could cause serious health problems if someone was exposed to or accidentally consumed it. The most common example of this for most properties is sewage. If the bathroom sink faucet breaks, the water damage must be dried. However, if the toilet has issues that cause waste water to spill out on the floor, a team to safely collect and dispose of the sewage will be required. The team must take extreme precautions and thoroughly disinfect the area as they clean. 

Water Damage Cleanup in Patchogue, NY

Our teams of water damage cleaning professionals can help clean clean, grey and black water. If you need water damage cleanup professionals, give our SERVPRO® team a call.