Water Damage: Causes and Types

Causes of Water Damage

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

• Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes
• Plumbing leaks
• Appliance malfunctions
• Roof leaks
• Burst pipes

Types of Water Damage

Water damage can be classified into three types:

Clean Water Damage

This type of water damage is caused by water that is not contaminated with sewage or chemicals. It is the least severe type of water damage and can be cleaned up relatively easily.

Gray Water Damage

This type of water damage is caused by water that has been contaminated with sewage or other harmful substances. It can pose a health risk and requires professional cleanup.

Black Water Damage

This type of water damage is caused by water that has been contaminated with sewage or other hazardous materials. It can cause serious health problems and requires professional cleanup and restoration.

What is the most common cause of water damage?

The most common cause of water damage is plumbing leaks. According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, plumbing leaks accounted for over 50% of all water damage claims in the United States in 2018.