It is important to identify the type of water problem you have and also the source it originated from. These two concepts are tightly linked, as the source of the water will almost always determine the type of water damage you are experiencing. After doing so you will know how to go about handling your water damage restoration.

The three types of water damage are as follows:

Category 1 (Clean Water Damage) -

Clean water is visibly clear and possesses little or no odor. If you smell any type of fecal matter or urine, your water damage is either category 2 or 3. 

Common sources of category 1 water is water supply lines such as dishwasher leaks, refrigerator leaks / ice maker pipes, sink overflows, and hot water lines used for hot water home heating. Broken appliances such as a dishwasher or hot water heater also fall under the category of clean water.

Category 2 (Grey Water Damage) - 

Grey water damage is also visibly clear for the most part. However, it often has a slightly to mildly foul odor that is noticeable when in the affected area. This water damage remediation must be treated with much more caution than the clean water mentioned above.

Sources of category 2 grey water commonly include a failed sump pump or overflowed / leaky toilet.

Category 3 (Black Water Damage) - 

Black water is the most dangerous of all water damage. It is a filled with and is a breeding ground for harmful contaminants, including bacteria and mold producing organisms. All materials affected by black water damage must be handled with extreme caution, removed from the residence, and discarded of immediately. 

Black water commonly comes from failed ejector pumps, broken sewage lines, water from streams, rivers or seas, and any standing water. Any water with visible fecal matter is most definitely black water. Once again, all materials affected with black water must be carefully but promptly discarded.

 By identifying the type of water damage you are affected by, you should be able to deduce the source of the water. Also, if you know the source of the water, you ought to be able to figure about the category of water damage you are affected with.