Water Damage: Causes, Types, and Severity

Water damage is a common problem that can affect both homes and businesses. It can be caused by a variety of factors.

Causes of Water Damage

• Leaks from plumbing,
• Flooding,
• Burst pipes,
• Heavy rains,
• Frozen pipes.

Types of Water Damage

Water damage is typically classified into three categories:

• Clean water damage: This type of damage is caused by water that is not contaminated by sewage or other harmful substances.
• Grey water damage: This type of damage is caused by water that has been contaminated by sewage or other harmful substances, but is not considered to be a health hazard.
• Black water damage: This type of damage is caused by water that is contaminated by sewage or other hazardous substances, and is considered to be a health hazard.

Severity of Water Damage

The severity of water damage depends on a number of factors, including:

• The amount of water involved
• The duration of time the water is present
• The type of water involved
• The construction materials that are affected

How Much Water Does It Take to Cause Water Damage?

Even a small amount of water can cause water damage if it is left unattended for a long period of time. In general, it is considered that as little as 1/4 inch of water can cause water damage to drywall and other building materials.