Water Damage: Causes, Types, and Flood Impact

Causes of Water Damage

Water damage occurs when excess water enters a building or structure. The sources of this moisture can be numerous:

• Leaking pipes or fixtures
• Flooding due to heavy rainfall or storms
• Basement leaks
• Roof leaks
• HVAC system malfunction
• Broken appliances

Types of Water Damage

The severity of water damage is classified into three categories:

Category 1: Clean Water Damage

This refers to water from a sanitary source, such as a broken supply line. It is generally considered "clean" and poses minimal health risks.

Category 2: Gray Water Damage

This includes water that has been contaminated with chemical or physical contaminants from appliances, dishwashers, or laundry machines. Gray water can cause minor health concerns.

Category 3: Black Water Damage

This is the most severe type of water damage and arises from sewage, floodwater, or standing water that has been contaminated with harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Black water poses significant health risks and requires immediate professional attention.

Is Water Damage the Same as Flood Damage?

While water damage and flood damage often overlap, they are not the same. Water damage can occur from any source of excess water, while flood damage specifically refers to damage caused by an overflow of water from a body of water, such as a river or lake.