Water Damage: Causes, Types, and Severity

Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can stem from various sources, including:

• Plumbing problems (e.g., burst pipes, leaking faucets)
• Roof leaks (e.g., damaged shingles, clogged gutters)
• Exterior envelope breaches (e.g., cracks in foundations, windows, or doors)
• Natural events (e.g., floods, hurricanes)

Types of Water Damage

Category 1: Clean Water Damage

Caused by clean water sources (e.g., broken water pipes, leaking appliances). It typically poses a lower health risk and can be cleaned up within 24 hours.

Category 2: Gray Water Damage

Caused by moderately contaminated water (e.g., washing machine overflow, dishwasher leaks). It poses a slightly higher health risk and requires prompt attention within 48 hours.

Category 3: Black Water Damage

Caused by highly contaminated water (e.g., sewage backups, flood water). It poses a significant health risk and requires immediate professional attention within 24 hours.

How Much Water Does it Take to Cause Water Damage?

The amount of water required to cause damage can vary depending on factors such as the type of surface, duration of exposure, and materials affected. However, even a small amount of water can lead to significant problems if not addressed promptly.

As a general rule, any water accumulation that remains on a surface for more than 24 hours can cause damage to materials such as drywall, flooring, and carpeting.