Causes of Water Damage
Water damage can occur due to numerous factors, including:
- Burst pipes
- Leaking appliances
- Heavy rainfall or flooding
- Roof leaks
- Foundation cracks
Types of Water Damage
Water damage is classified into three categories:
Category 1: Clean Water
* Originates from a sanitary source (e.g., broken water pipes)
* Not contaminated with harmful substances
Category 2: Gray Water
* From a partially contaminated source (e.g., washing machines, sinks)
* Contains bacteria or chemicals
Category 3: Black Water
* From a contaminated source (e.g., sewage backups, floodwater)
* Contains harmful bacteria and viruses
Understanding the Categories of Water Damage
The categorization of water damage aids in determining the appropriate restoration measures.
Category 1 damage requires prompt extraction and drying to prevent further damage. Category 2 damage requires disinfection and sanitization to eliminate bacteria. Category 3 damage requires specialized cleaning and disinfection to mitigate health risks.
Recognizing the type and category of water damage empowers property owners to make informed decisions regarding restoration and remediation.