Water Damage: Causes and Types

Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can occur due to various factors, including:

• Natural disasters (e.g., floods, hurricanes)
• Plumbing leaks
• Sewer backups
• Roof damage
• Damaged appliances
• Condensation

Types of Water Damage

Water damage can be categorized based on the source of the water:

Clean Water

* Originates from a clean source, such as a burst pipe or leaking faucet. * Less likely to cause significant damage, as it does not contain contaminants.

Gray Water

* Derived from washing machines, dishwashers, or bathtubs. * May contain contaminants such as food particles or soap residue.

Black Water

* Originates from contaminated sources, such as sewage or floodwater. * Poses a health hazard due to the presence of harmful microorganisms.

Root Cause of Water Damage

The root cause of water damage is often a failure in the building's water containment system. This failure can occur due to: * Poor drainage * Inadequate waterproofing * Aging infrastructure * Improper maintenance