Lowcountry Home Tips

Not all floodwater carries the same risk. In Charleston, where storm surge, sewer backups, and supply line failures each produce different types of water intrusion, understanding the difference between grey water and black water is practical knowledge for any homeowner dealing with a flooding event. What Grey Water Means Grey water refers to water that has been used but does not contain sewage or significant biological contamination. Common sources include overflow from washing machines, dishwashers, bathroom sinks, and bathtubs. While grey water is not clean, it does not carry the same pathogen load as sewage-contaminated water. In Charleston homes, grey water incidents most commonly result from appliance failures and supply line breaks. The damage is typically contained to the area immediately around the source, though moisture can spread through flooring and wall cavities if not addressed quickly. What Black Water Means Black water is water that contains sewage, floodwater from...

  If you have lived in Charleston for any stretch of time, you already know that heavy rain here means something different than it does in Columbia or Greenville. Streets that looked perfectly fine in the morning can have standing water by afternoon. Basements that stayed dry for years suddenly take on water after a single storm. This is not bad luck or poor construction. It is geography. Understanding why Charleston floods more than inland parts of South Carolina comes down to a few specific factors – elevation, soil, tidal influence, and the way the city was built. Each one plays a role, and together they create conditions that inland homeowners simply do not have to deal with in the same way. The elevation problem Much of Charleston sits at or just above sea level. The Charleston peninsula, where much of the historic district stands, averages around 10 feet above sea level – and large portions of it sit considerably lower than that. Neighborhoods like Wagener Terrace, Harleston...