Not all water damage is equal. Learn the three categories of water — clean, gray, and black — and why they change how restoration is handled in NJ.
Category 1: Clean water
From supply lines or rain, clean water poses little health risk if addressed quickly — but it degrades over time.
Category 2: Gray water
From appliances or sump overflow, gray water has some contamination and can cause illness.
Category 3: Black water
From sewage, flooding, or standing water, black water is highly contaminated and a serious biohazard.
Why the category matters
It determines protective equipment, what can be saved, and the disinfection required.
Time degrades water
Clean water becomes gray, then black, the longer it sits — another reason fast response matters.
Need professional water damage restoration in New Jersey?
NJ Restoration Experts provides 24/7 water damage restoration across Northern NJ. Call 973-813-7570 or request a callback.
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