Everybody hates water damage restoration from a flood. I know one person who does not. A water damage restorationprofessional but only if it affects someone else property. Flood causes a lot of headaches and can destroy millions of properties. This is the reason why many people do not pay attention nor notice the differences in the water that can be found in different kinds of flooded basement.



There are three types of water that affects your basement based on their source. These are white, gray and black water. Each one coincides with a specific level of water-damage.

White water - also known as clear water or fresh water is the safest of the three. In a flooded basement, its presence indicate a busted or leaking water pipe, overflows, melted snow, or rainwater. White water contains no contaminants and is not life-threatening. water damage restoration needs of this type is categorized as level 1. However, if left untreated, white water can become level 2 within forty eight hours.

Gray water - is what comes out of your kitchen sink, washing machine drain, drippings from your air-conditioning unit, etc. It is also the water that can be found in your aquarium. In a water damaged basement this one poses some threat and might cause some discomfort to you and your family. It contains contaminants and, in its raw form, can cause gastroenteritis as well as hepatitis. Although still debatable, many people believe that gray water can be recycled. In its recycled form it could be used to water plants. It is considered water damage level 2 and can become a level three if left untreated for forty eight hours.

Black water - The most dangerous type of water that could flood your basement.. Black water does not necessarily come with a characteristic black shade. It could be clear and yet contain millions of fungi and bacteria. This type of water is completely unsanitary and is usually associated with human feces, urine, chemicals, and pesticides. Water damage restoration is extensive for this level. Black water could flood a basement via a leaking septic tank, backflows from toilet traps or bowls. This makes it the highest level of water damage. In humans, the black water can cause allergic alveolitis, Weil's disease and Leptospirosis. People who handle this type of water should have an immunization against Hepatitis A and B, Polio and Tetanus. void it as best you can

There is a high probability of your family and pets getting sick if you have black water in your water damahed basement. This type of water should be removed as soon as possible by a professional. Never attempt to do it by yourself. Anything that comes in contact with this type of water should be sanitized as soon as possible. However, if furniture salvaged from your flooded basement is no longer be fit for water damage restoration, dispose of it according to your area's sanitation procedures.

Knowing what type of water is in your flooded basement can help you decide which course of action you should take. It could also help save your life. Remember, never underestimate the power of water.