Water Damage: Causes, Types, and Categories

Causes of Water Damage

• Plumbing leaks
• Heavy rainfall or flooding
• Broken appliances
• Burst water pipes
• Clogged drains

Types of Water Damage

Water damage can be broadly classified into three categories, based on the source and severity of the damage:

Category 1: Clean Water Damage

* Caused by clean sources, such as burst water pipes or leaking faucets * Water is typically clear and does not pose a significant health risk * Can result in structural damage and discoloration if left untreated

Category 2: Grey Water Damage

* Caused by sources that contain potentially harmful contaminants, such as dishwater or washing machine overflow * Contaminated water can pose health risks if ingested or inhaled * Can cause significant damage to carpets, drywall, and furniture

Category 3: Black Water Damage

* Caused by sources that contain hazardous materials, such as sewage or floodwater * Highly contaminated and may pose serious health risks * Can cause extensive damage to a property, rendering it uninhabitable until extensive remediation is performed