Causes of Water Damage
Water damage can occur due to various factors, including:
- Leaking pipes
- Malfunctioning appliances (e.g., washing machines)
- Heavy rainfall
- Flooding
- Roof leaks
Types of Water Damage
Water damage is classified into three categories:
Category 1: Clean Water
This is water that is generally safe for human contact and does not contain any harmful contaminants.
Category 2: Gray Water
This water contains potential contaminants and requires professional cleaning to prevent health risks.
Category 3: Black Water
This water is unsafe for human contact and contains highly contaminated water from sources such as sewage or floodwaters.
Is Water Damage the Same as Flood Damage?
While both water damage and flood damage involve the presence of water, they differ in their sources:
- Water damage can originate from various sources within a building, including plumbing issues or leaks.
- Flood damage is specifically caused by external water sources that have overflowed or breached a structure, such as rivers or heavy rainfall.
Both types of damage require prompt attention and professional restoration services to minimize potential health hazards and structural damage.