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

Causes of Water Damage

Water damage arises from various sources, including:

• Broken or leaking pipes
• Natural disasters (e.g., storms, hurricanes)
• Malfunctioning appliances (e.g., dishwashers, washing machines)
• Roof leaks
• Flooding

Types of Water Damage

Water damage can be classified into three categories:

• Category 1 (Clean Water): Originates from a sanitary source, such as broken water pipes or appliances.
• Category 2 (Gray Water): Contains contaminants from toilets, sinks, or dishwashers, posing a potential health hazard.
• Category 3 (Black Water): Highly contaminated with sewage, floodwater, or other hazardous materials.

Water Damage vs. Flood Damage

While often used interchangeably, water damage and flood damage differ in their origins. Water damage can occur localized within a building, caused by internal sources or external factors like leaking pipes or storm water. In contrast, flood damage is more extensive, resulting from the overflow of water bodies, such as rivers or oceans, inundating entire areas.