Water Damage: Causes and Types

Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can occur due to various reasons, including:

• Burst pipes
• Leaking appliances
• Roof leaks
• Basement flooding
• Heavy rainfall or storms

Types of Water Damage

Water damage can be classified into three main categories:

• Category 1: Clean Water Damage - This type of water damage is caused by water from a clean source, such as a broken water line or a sink overflow.
• Category 2: Gray Water Damage - This type of water damage is caused by water from a contaminated source, such as a washing machine or toilet overflow. It contains organic materials and poses health risks.
• Category 3: Black Water Damage - This type of water damage is caused by water from a heavily contaminated source, such as sewage or floodwater. It poses significant health risks due to the presence of microorganisms.

Is Water Damage the Same as Flood Damage?

While both water damage and flood damage involve water, they are distinct phenomena. Water damage can occur in any building, whereas flood damage is specifically caused by the overflow of a body of water, such as a river or ocean.