Water Damage: A Comprehensive Understanding of Causes and Types

What is Water Damage?

Water damage is the deterioration of property caused by an excess of water. It can be caused by various sources, ranging from natural disasters to plumbing failures.

Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can result from numerous factors, including:

*

  • Flooding
  • Leaks (eg., plumbing pipes, roof)
  • Heavy rainfall
  • Burst pipes
  • Appliance malfunctions (eg., washing machine)
  • Natural disasters (eg., hurricanes, earthquakes)

Types of Water Damage

Water damage is categorized into three primary types:

1. Category 1: Clean Water

* Originates from a sanitary source (eg., broken water pipe)
* Contains minimal contaminants
* Causes minimal health risks

2. Category 2: Grey Water

* Originates from a contaminated source (eg., washing machine overflow)
* Contains significant organic material
* Poses a potential health hazard

3. Category 3: Black Water

* Originates from a heavily contaminated source (eg., sewage backup)
* Contains hazardous microorganisms
* Poses a severe health hazard