Water Damage: Causes, Types, and Distinguishing It from Flood Damage

Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can result from various sources, including:

• Leaking pipes
• Flooding due to heavy rainfall or storms
• Broken appliances (e.g., dishwashers, washing machines)
• Roof leaks
• Failed water heaters
• Condensation

Types of Water Damage

Water damage is classified into three categories:

Category 1: Clean Water

* Originates from a sanitary source (e.g., broken pipe) * Presents a low health risk * Causes minimal damage to building materials

Category 2: Gray Water

* Originates from contaminated sources (e.g., washing machine overflow) * Contains bacteria or chemicals * Requires professional cleaning and disinfection

Category 3: Black Water

* Originates from sewage or heavily contaminated sources * Contains harmful bacteria and pathogens * Poses a significant health hazard * Requires extensive cleaning and disinfection

Is Water Damage the Same as Flood Damage?

While both water damage and flood damage involve water intrusion, they differ in origin and severity. * Water damage can occur from isolated incidents (e.g., leaking pipes) or limited exposure to water. * Flood damage involves the inundation of a building or area with a significant amount of water, typically caused by natural disasters or extreme rainfall. Flood damage generally results in more severe damage and requires more extensive remediation efforts than water damage.