Water is one of the most destructive forces of nature and the most common cause of damage in a commercial building or residential home. When it comes to cleaning up from water damage, knowing the type of water damage is the key to your water damage restoration. According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, there are three levels of water damage: clear, grey, and black. Let’s take a look at all three.

Clear Water Damage

The simplest type of water damage is because it typically involves clean water from sources like overflowed sinks and bathtubs, broken water supply lines, and water supply pipelines. As a result, it is “clean water” that is free of toxins and sewage. Even though it poses less risk, clean water must be removed carefully or you run the risk of developing mold and mildew.

Grey Water Damage

Considered a category-two level, water damage causes substantial pollution (hence grey water) and may make people sick or uncomfortable if they consume it or come into contact with it. Examples include flooding from:

• Toilet bowl overflow
• Washing machine and dishwasher expulsion or overflow
• Shattered aquariums
• Seepage caused by hydrostatic pressure (often in slabs or basements)
• Water beds with holes

Black Water Damage

Heavily contaminated may include toxins, pathogens, or other dangerous substances that, when ingested or touched, can have a serious negative impact on people. We consider black water damage the most serious type of water damage, often costing between $7.00 and $7.50 to fix, according to RubyHome. Category three water damage examples include flooding from:

• Sea water
• Backflows of the sewage waste line coming from outside the trap
• Hurricanes and tropical storms' wind-driven rain
• Rising river/stream levels

When it comes to cleaning up water damage, you are going to want to call in the professionals, such as water damage restoration services. Even if your damage is in the clear, some materials, such as plaster, brick, or concrete, require a particular drying technique. This mainly happens when there is a lot of water present in these materials. If you are battling water damage, then don't do the cleanup on your own. Contact our team at JB Water Damage Restoration for your home or business. We look forward to working with you.