Water Damage: Causes, Types, and Categories

Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes
• Plumbing leaks
• Appliance failures
• Roof damage
• Burst pipes
• Rainwater infiltration
• Groundwater seepage

Types of Water Damage

Water damage is typically classified into three categories based on the source of the water:

Category 1: Clean Water

Water from a clean source, such as a broken water main or a leaking faucet.

Category 2: Gray Water

Water that has been contaminated with sewage or other potentially harmful substances, such as from a washing machine or dishwasher overflow.

Category 3: Black Water

Water that has been severely contaminated with sewage or other hazardous materials, such as from a toilet overflow or a flood.

What are the three categories of water damage?

The three categories of water damage are:

• Category 1: Clean Water
• Category 2: Gray Water
• Category 3: Black Water