Identifying Types of Water

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Carpet wet from water getting inside the house

When water damage occurs SERVPRO has three categories of water. The three types of water are clean, gray, and black. We determine the classification of the water during the inspection of your property. What are the differences between the categories?

1. Clean water

  Clean water is water that has never been contaminated. Clean water typically comes from a hot water tank or appliances. Clean water is not an immediate threat to your health. Clean water is generally safe for you to do some fast water removing methods such as mopping up water or using towels to clean up.

2. Gray water

   Gray water is contaminated wastewater. Gray water usually comes from bathtubs, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, or sinks. Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves and boots when cleaning up gray water. Keep children and pets away from the flooded area. Clean-up must begin immediately; gray water can turn to black water in as little as 48 hours.

3. Black water

    Black water is highly contaminated water. Black water comes from storm flooding, flushing toilets, and sewage is considered black water. This can be dangerous being in contact with. If you do experience black water stay away from flooded areas.

If you, unfortunately, experience any of these types of water types we at SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley are here to help. Our teams are highly trained in water restoration and how to properly clean all types of water.