Water Damage: Causes, Types, and Clarifying Flood Damage

Water damage is a prevalent issue that can cause significant harm to properties and personal belongings.

Common Causes of Water Damage

• Burst pipes
• Roof leaks
• Flooding
• Washing machine or dishwasher malfunctions
• Natural disasters (e.g., heavy rainfall, storms)

Types of Water Damage

Water damage can be categorized into three classes based on severity:

• Class 1: Clean water that comes from a source like a burst pipe or broken window.
• Class 2: Gray water from sources such as a toilet overflow or dishwasher leak, which can contain bacteria and microorganisms.
• Class 3: Black water, which originates from sewage backups, flooding, or contamination. It carries bacteria and viruses and poses significant health hazards.

Is Water Damage the Same as Flood Damage?

Flood damage is a specific type of water damage that occurs when a large amount of water enters a property or building. While all flood damage is water damage, not all water damage is flood damage.

The key difference lies in the source of the water. Flood damage arises from a rise in water levels outside a property, such as a river or ocean overflowing its banks. In contrast, water damage can occur from indoor sources as well, as mentioned in the previous section.

Knowing the distinctions between water damage and flood damage is crucial for determining appropriate insurance coverage and appropriate restoration procedures.