Types of Standing Water

Flooding is a disastrous circumstance for any home or business owner. Water damage can quickly ruin the value of a home or commercial property, as well as increase the likelihood of toxic mold growth and other undesirable consequences. However, there are several different types of standing water which may result from flooding.

The different water types are divided into three categories: clean water, gray water, and black water. While these each have their own specific concerns for property owners, all forms of water damage carry potentially significant consequences for your home and your health. It is important to contact a water extraction specialist as soon as you experience flooding in your home or business property.

The Different Standing Water Types

The three categories of standing water which typically affect flooded homes or other properties have different cleaning requirements. The following guidelines explain the differences:

• Clean water – the least damaging of all standing water types, clean water typically comes from broken pipes or appliances. While water damage from clean water can still be disastrous, with appropriate professional care, the effects can be largely contained.
• Grey water – grey water is water that has been contaminated in some way, usually from use in dishwashers, washing machines, or water heaters. Any areas affected by grey water must be carefully disinfected to avoid bacterial infection.
• Black water – black water is waste-water containing fecal matter and urine. Typically, black water flooding occurs when sewage lines rupture or toilets overflow. Black water causes significant damage to any property it affects, and treatment typically involves replacement of porous materials which may have absorbed contaminants from exposure.

In addition, flood waters may include chemical contaminants which can necessitate significant treatment or replacement of affected materials.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has experienced flooding in your home, you should immediately contact a water extraction company to minimize the extent of the damage. Contact the Austin floor care specialists of WOW Total Cleaning today at 512-291-0048 to schedule a service appointment.