Did you know there are different types of water damage you may experience in your home? These are clean water damage, grey water damage, and black water damage. Let’s go into more detail below about each type and the steps you need to take to remedy the situation.

Clean Water Damage

Clean water damage is considered a category one. It is considered the least severe. It often occurs as the result of broken pipes or a damaged water supply line in the sink, bathtub or shower. It can also be due to other appliance issues. Since it is clean water, or water that is not toxic or sewage, it can be cleaned up and dried out easily without any harmful side effects. 

Grey Water Damage

Grey water damage is a category two and often happens as the result of a broken appliance such as a toilet, washing machine, or even a sump pump backup. Coming into contact with this kind of water isn’t necessarily harmful, but you still want to take the steps necessary to disinfect everything that the grey water has touched. The water may contain chemicals or other contaminants. 

Black Water Damage

Black water damage is the most serious and is considered a category three. Black water damage is severe and requires immediate mitigation and remediation because this water can contain sewage or water from flood waters, seawater, and groundwater. 

When you experience category three water damage, you need to remove all the items from the property to properly dry out and disinfect the home. 

Classes of Water Damage

In addition to the different categories of water damage, there are also classes you need to be aware of.

• Class 1: This is considered the least harmful. The items in the area absorbed very little water, and the damage is minimal and easy to clean.

• Class 2: Under class two, there is a faster evaporation rate. You may have a damaged carpet, and the repairs may prove to be slightly more extensive.

• Class 3: This is the fastest rate of evaporation. This means the water most likely has come from an overhead source and has soaked everything in the space, including the walls and furniture.

• Class 4: When you have class 4, you need specialized water damage clean-up services. This amount of damage can hurt your walls, floors, and other items and requires more extensive water cleanup and removal. 

Determining the Extent of the Water Damage

Within minutes of a water leak or flood, contamination begins to spread within the space. The furniture will quickly become saturated along with carpeting and other items. All water damage needs to be mitigated quickly to lessen its impact. 

Within hours, there may be a smell, and any normal household odors will worsen because of the excess humidity. Mold can begin to grow within two days, and any wood you have can start warping. Paint and wallpaper will begin peeling. 

If you notice water damage in the home, it is important to address the problem immediately to avoid more costly and extensive damage down the line.