1. Sanitary Water Damage

Sanitary water comes from a clean source. Common examples of sanitary water include rainwater, drinking water, or water from a bathroom sink. It’s the easiest type of water to clean up because it doesn’t pose any health risks in and of itself — the water is relatively clean and safe.

However, health risks can develop over time, so a sanitary water flood still needs to be cleaned up promptly. If any type of water is left standing for 24–48 hours, it can cause mold and mildew to form, which can harm your health. That’s why it’s critical to call a water removal company no matter what type of water has flooded your home.

Even clean water can cause serious damage if it remains inside a home for too long. Learn more about what to expect during water damage restoration after a flood or major leak.

2. Polluted Water

When you hear the term “polluted water” you may picture factory runoff or other forms of water pollution. But when we use the term in regards to water damage, we simply mean clean water that’s been contaminated with a pollutant. That could be as common as the water in your washing machine or dishwasher.

Even though certain types of polluted water (also known as gray water) may feel commonplace, it’s still not a good idea to leave it alone. Polluted water contains microorganisms that can lead to illness if not cleaned up properly. Our water removal company has the experience and skill necessary to clean up areas flooded with polluted water before it turns into the third type of water: unsanitary water.

Gray water often comes from washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, and other household appliances. If appliance leaks are the source of the damage, our guide on common causes of residential water damage explains additional risks homeowners should watch for.

3. Unsanitary Water

Unsanitary water (also known as black water) is the most dangerous type of water that can flood your house. This water is contaminated with highly toxic chemicals, bacteria, or other materials. Examples of unsanitary water include sewage and water from rivers or streams.

If your home has been flooded with unsanitary water, then you may have more damages that are beyond repair. In particular, you’ll want to take a look at any porous materials, such as insulation or carpet, or semi-porous materials, such as concrete or wood. Any porous or semi-porous material that comes into contact with the water will likely have to be thrown away. Keep in mind too that porous and semi-porous materials allow water to seep through them, so anything next to or underneath these materials may be damaged as well. For example, if your carpet is soaked with unsanitary water, it’s likely that your floorboards have been damaged as well.

Because unsanitary water can permanently damage so many parts of your home, you’ll likely need water damage restoration as well as removal and cleanup. Our water damage restoration experts can sanitize, deodorize, and replace areas in your home that have been harmed by unsanitary water.

Because black water often contains bacteria, sewage, and harmful contaminants, professional cleanup is critical. If you suspect sewage contamination, visit our sewage cleanup services page to learn more about the restoration process.