Water Damage: Causes, Types, and Categories

What is Water Damage?

Water damage encompasses any damage caused by the presence of excess water in a structure or its contents. It can occur in both residential and commercial buildings and can result from various causes.

Causes of Water Damage

Numerous factors can contribute to water damage, including:

• Natural events (flooding, rain, storms)
• Plumbing leaks
• Appliance malfunctions (dishwashers, washing machines)
• Roof leaks
• Firefighting activities

Types of Water Damage

Water damage can be classified into three categories based on the source of the water:

• Category 1: Clean Water
  Originates from a sanitary source, such as clean taps or water that has not come into contact with sewage.
• Category 2: Greywater
  Derived from sources that are potentially contaminated with microorganisms, such as washing machines or dishwashers.
• Category 3: Blackwater
  Highly contaminated water that poses significant health risks, such as sewage backups or floodwater from contaminated sources.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes and types of water damage is crucial for property owners to mitigate risks and promptly address water damage incidents. By categorizing water damage based on its source, appropriate restoration measures can be implemented to restore affected areas to a safe and habitable condition.