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How To Tell What Type Of Water Is On Your Floor

September 28, 2019

When it comes to cleaning up water from your home, not all water should be treated equally. Some water may be perfectly sanitary while other types of water should be treated with extreme caution. Here, you’ll learn about the different types of water, what they look like and how to handle each type.

Clean Water—Category 1 Water

A good indication of the type of water you’re dealing with is the actual color of the water. If the water is clear, it is usually safe to handle. This type of water may be rainwater or water from a busted pipe. However, you should still use basic safety precautions when dealing with clear water. Now that the water has come in contact with the floor or other parts of your home, it could be contaminated with whatever it has come into contact with. Use common sense measures like washing your hands after cleaning up the water no matter how clean it looks. Clean water should also be dried immediately because even though it is clean, any type of moisture can cause water damage and mold growth.

Grey Water—Category 2 Water

Grey water may appear cloudy or a bit dirty and is less safe than white water. This type of water comes from dishwashers, washing machines, sinks and other sources from your home (other than the toilet). Basically, grey water is white water that has been used. Therefore, grey water is contaminated with whatever it came into contact with like soap or food particles. Like white water, grey water should be cleaned up immediately, especially since grey water may contain bacteria that will multiple if left stagnant.

Black Water—Category 3 Water

Black water is water that is brown or black. It is very dangerous and should be treated with extreme caution. Also known as sewage or brown water, black water has come into contact with human waste (fecal matter and urine). This means the water may be contaminated with bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing biological contaminants. If you have black water in your home, also known as an unsanitary flood, you should avoid contact and call a professional immediately. Read more about the dangers of black water.

How to Tell the Difference

White, grey and black water can be identified a few different ways. One way is a visual inspection. As described above, each type of water is a certain color: white water is clear; grey water is cloudy or dirty; and black water is black or brown. Another indicator of the type of water you’re dealing with is the smell: white water will not have a smell, while black water certainly will. Basically, the darker the water is, the more dangerous it is. And the more the water smells, the more contaminated it is. Another way to determine the type of water is where the water came from, if known. A leak on a rainy day or water from a busted water supply pipe is white water. Dirty water from a non-plumbing appliance (like the dishwasher or washing machine) is grey water. And black water is water from the toilet or plumbing system that contains human waste.

Get Help with Your Water Incident

No matter what type of water you’re dealing with, a professional water removal company is your best friend when it comes to cleaning it up. They will have the knowledge and expertise, plus the right equipment, to remove the water safely and effectively. They also know how to deal with different types of water and understand the dangers of certain types of water. If you need help with a water incident, call a professional immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions


Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. Check your policy details for specific coverage.

Yes, a broken water heater can lead to a high electric bill. If it's not heating water efficiently, a broken water heater may consume more energy and increase your utility bill.

Yes, if you have a broken water heater, it can potentially lead to carbon monoxide leaks. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, call us for an emergency response.

How can carbon monoxide come from a water heater?

While minor leaks can be fixed with DIY methods, it's advisable to consult a professional restoration company, like Accutech Restoration & Remodeling, for significant damage to ensure proper repair and prevent future issues.

Yes, mold can grow under tiles if there is constant moisture or water damage.

Yes, water can seep through grout lines if they are cracked or improperly sealed. You may contact us for help with water leaks and bathroom floor water damage.

Yes, we can remove mold from carpets affected by water damage. We use specialized cleaning techniques to prevent health risks.

Homeowners' insurance typically covers water damage caused by a water heater leak or broken water heater, but it may not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the heater itself. You may contact us for help navigating your insurance claim.

We recommend clearing the area around the damaged drywall to give our technicians easy access.

Preventing flood damage involves proactive measures such as maintaining gutters, ensuring proper drainage around your property, and considering flood-resistant building materials. Accutech Restoration & Remodeling offers tips and resources to help you safeguard your home against future flooding incidents.

To prevent floor warping from water damage, quickly clean up any spills or leaks to avoid prolonged exposure to moisture. You can use mats or rugs in high-moisture areas to keep them dry.

Remove any affected tiles and clean the area thoroughly with a mold-specific cleaner.

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