Water Damage: Causes and Types

Introduction

Water damage is a major problem that can cause significant damage to your home or business. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
  • Broken or leaking pipes
  • Flooding
  • Heavy rains
  • Overflowing toilets

Types of Water Damage

There are two main types of water damage:
  • Clean water damage: This type of damage is caused by water that is free of contaminants, such as rainwater or water from a broken pipe. It is the least harmful type of water damage and can usually be cleaned up without causing any major problems.
  • Dirty water damage: This type of damage is caused by water that contains contaminants, such as sewage or flood water. It is more harmful than clean water damage and can cause health problems if not cleaned up properly.

What is the Root Cause of Water Damage?

The root cause of water damage is usually a failure in the water supply system. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
  • Aging pipes
  • Poor maintenance
  • Natural disasters

How to Prevent Water Damage

There are a number of things you can do to prevent or mitigate water damage:
  • Inspect your plumbing system regularly for signs of leaks.
  • Have your sump pump and other flood control devices serviced regularly.
  • Be aware of the weather forecast and take precautions when heavy rains or flooding is predicted.
  • Install water sensors in areas of your home that are prone to flooding.

What to Do If You Experience Water Damage

If you experience water damage, it is important to act quickly to minimize the damage.
  • Turn off the water supply to the affected area.
  • Remove any standing water from the area.
  • Open windows and doors to ventilate the area.
  • Call a water damage restoration company to assess the damage and begin the cleanup process.