Causes of Water Damage
Water damage can occur due to various factors, including:
- Burst or leaking pipes
- Faulty appliances
- Heavy rainfall or flooding
- Roof leaks
- Condensation
- Sewage backups
Types of Water Damage
Water damage is typically classified into three categories:
Category 1: Clean Water Damage
This type of damage results from exposure to clean water sources such as broken pipes or a leaky roof. It is less hazardous and can be more easily cleaned up.
Category 2: Grey Water Damage
Grey water carries contaminants from sources like washing machines or dishwashers. It poses a moderate risk and proper sanitation measures are required during cleanup.
Category 3: Black Water Damage
Black water originates from heavily contaminated sources like sewage backups or heavily polluted floodwaters. It poses significant health risks and requires professional remediation.
Is Water Damage the Same as Flood Damage?
While both involve water damage, flood damage specifically refers to damage caused by an overflow of water from natural sources, such as rivers or lakes. Water damage, on the other hand, can result from internal or external sources, including plumbing failures or heavy rainfall.