Types of Water Damage Categories

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a scary event that happens to your home or business and can promote deterioration of structures and mold growth. There are also three categories of water that you should know about before figuring out if you can handle it yourself. SERVPRO of Alhambra can also provide a free estimate and whether or not you should put a claim in with your insurance.

The first type of water damage is called “clean water.” Clean Water will come from a clean and sanitary source such as faucets, sinks, bathtubs, toilets or any broken water supply lines. However if you ignore the water, it will not stay clean since it comes into contact with other surfaces or materials. This type

The second type of water damage is called “Grey Water.” It is a source of water that contains a significant degree of either chemical, biological or physical contaminants. It may cause discomfort and illness when you consume it or if you’re just exposed to it. It can carry unsafe levels of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae. This includes water from dishwashers, washing machines, sump pumps, toilet bowls (that doesn’t contain any feces), and flush sink drains.

Black water is the third category of water which comes from a source of water that is unsanitary. It contains unsanitary agents that can cause severe discomfort and sickness. It is any outside water that has now affected the indoor environment. For example, black water can range sea water, rivers and streams to sewage and groundwater. Any toilet back flow regardless of color and overflow with feces is categorized as black water.

Time and temperature can affect the quality of water, thereby changing its category. Any stagnant water can harbor bacteria. So if you ever experience water damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Alhambra to help with your water extraction and/or dehumidification.