The three categories

Category
Clean water
Typical source
Broken supply line, rain-water from a roof leak before it touches materials
General handling
Dry in place where materials allow
Category
Gray water
Typical source
Dishwasher or washing machine discharge, sump pump overflow
General handling
Remove absorbent materials more readily; dry the rest
Category
Black water
Typical source
Sewage, river or floodwater, long-standing water
General handling
Remove affected porous materials; clean and disinfect the structure

Based on the widely used industry categories; a professional assessment decides which applies.

Water changes category over time

Clean water can degrade to gray after it sits for a day or two and picks up contact with floors, pad and soil. A slow leak inside a wall can reach a worse category because it feeds microbial growth. The category depends on source and time, not only the first appearance.

A sewer backup is not a pipe problem inside your walls; it is a blockage in the line leaving the house or in the main, forcing wastewater up through the lowest drain. In many older neighborhoods that is a basement floor drain or a shower. Water from there carries bacteria and should be treated as black water.

A cautious order of operations for a backup

  1. Stop using water

    Avoid flushing toilets and running sinks or washing machines so no more water enters the line.

  2. Identify the blockage

    A plumber can tell whether it is the house line or the city main. Ask the city utility if the main may be involved.

  3. Document the scene

    Photos help with insurance claims and any dispute about the cause.

  4. Remove affected materials

    Porous items such as carpet, pad and lower drywall are removed under contaminated-water guidance.

  5. Clean and dry

    Surfaces are cleaned and disinfected before drying finishes.

Questions to ask about contaminated water

  1. Has anyone confirmed whether the blockage was in my line or the city's?
  2. Which materials are considered affected and why?
  3. How is the waste bagged and carried out of the house?
  4. What protective gear and containment will be used?

Common questions

Can I clean up a small sewer overflow myself?

Contaminated water carries health risks. Professional guidance and protective equipment are recommended.

Is flood water the same as sewer water?

Floodwater is treated as contaminated because it picks up soil, chemicals and sewage along its path.

General information for Northglenn, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.