Differences Between Grey and Black Water

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

The level of concern you should feel after a flood inside your home depends on what type of water has appeared. There is white water, which is plain, clean water with little to no contaminants. You should be able to tell when water is contaminated based on the color and odor, and you should never attempt a DIY fix without professional guidance. Contact professionals in Highland Heights, OH who know how to safely handle water damage caused by grey or black water.

Grey Water

Grey water refers to liquids that come out from pipes and other structures that does not contain human waste. This water may contain:


• Fats
• Oils
• Soap particles
• Hair

While this does result in a certain amount of contamination, it is not as severe as it could be, and there is less of a risk of people in the vicinity suffering from health problems caused by exposure. If your household uses natural, biodegradable soaps free or boron, chlorine and sodium, then you will have even less to fear. However, if left untreated, this type of water can slowly grow worse.

Black Water

Water damage from black water is a severe health problem that needs to be addressed immediately. When flooding occurs due to a blockage in the sewer system, drains in your house will bring up water contaminated by fecal matter and pathogens. A professional team will need to be brought in to safely remove the waste and the affected drywall.

When you discover water backing up into your home, you need to take prompt action to handle it right away to curtail a disaster. If you cannot tell where the water came from or if it has darkened in color even in the slightest, then you should avoid touching it, because you could end up hurting yourself. Instead, leave water damage remediation in Highland Heights, OH to the professionals.