Water Damage: Causes and Types

Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can occur due to various causes, including:

• Leaking pipes and appliances
• Flooding caused by heavy rain or storms
• Burst water mains or water supply lines
• Sewer backup
• Condensation

Types of Water Damage

Water damage can be categorized into three classes based on the extent of damage:

Class 1: Minor Damage

This type of damage involves clean water, with no significant contamination.

Class 2: Moderate Damage

This damage involves grey water, which may contain some contamination and requires more extensive cleanup.

Class 3: Major Damage

This damage involves black water, which is highly contaminated and can pose health risks. Class 3 water damage requires immediate professional attention.

Is Water Damage the Same as Flood Damage?

Yes and no. Flood damage is a specific type of water damage caused by excess water from an overflow of large bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or oceans. While all flood damage is water damage, not all water damage is flood damage.