Water Damage: Causes, Types, and Flood Damage
Water damage is a broad term that refers to damage caused to property by water. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Flooding
- Leaking pipes
- Overflowing appliances
- Burst water heaters
- Heavy rains
- Storm surges
- Condensation
- Water main breaks
Types of Water Damage
There are two main types of water damage: clean water damage and dirty water damage.
- **Clean water damage** is caused by water that is not contaminated with sewage or other pollutants. This type of damage can be caused by leaks in plumbing systems, broken appliances, and rainwater.
- **Dirty water damage** is caused by water that is contaminated with sewage, bacteria, or other pollutants. This type of damage can be caused by flooding, sewage backups, and sump pump failures.
Is Water Damage the Same as Flood Damage?
No, water damage and flood damage are not the same thing. Flood damage is a specific type of water damage that is caused by flooding. Flooding occurs when a large amount of water overflows an area of land, causing damage to property and infrastructure.