Water Damage: Causes and Types
Causes of Water Damage
Water damage can be caused by a wide range of factors, including:
- Plumbing leaks
- Flooding
- Heavy rainfall
- Burst pipes
- Faulty appliances
- Sewer backups
- Leaks in roofs or walls
Types of Water Damage
Water damage can be classified into three main categories:
- Clean Water Damage: This type of damage is caused by water that is free of contaminants, such as rainwater or water from a broken pipe.
- Gray Water Damage: This type of damage is caused by water that contains some contaminants, such as water from a washing machine or dishwasher. Gray water can cause illness if ingested.
- Black Water Damage: This type of damage is caused by water that contains heavy contamination, such as water from a sewage backup or a flood. Black water can cause serious illness if ingested.
Root Cause of Water Damage
The root cause of water damage is often a failure in a building’s systems or infrastructure. Common root causes include:
- Poor maintenance of plumbing systems
- Inadequate waterproofing measures
- Defective appliances
- Structural damage
- Weather events