Water Damage: Causes, Types, and Legal Definition

Causes of Water Damage

Water damage to property can occur due to various causes, including:

• Flooding from natural events (e.g., storms, hurricanes, heavy rainfall)
• Burst pipes or water heaters
• Leaks from roofs, walls, or plumbing fixtures
• Malfunctioning appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines
• Sewage backup or overflow

Types of Water Damage

Water damage is classified into three main categories:

• Category 1: Clean water with minimal contamination, such as rainwater or water from a clean water supply
• Category 2: Gray water contaminated with sewage or other non-hazardous waste (e.g., water from a washing machine, dishwasher, or toilet)
• Category 3: Black water contaminated with hazardous materials, such as raw sewage, chemicals, or biological pathogens

Legal Definition of Water Damage

The legal definition of water damage varies by jurisdiction, but it generally refers to the damage to property caused by the presence of water.

In some cases, water damage may be covered by insurance policies, depending on the terms of the policy and the cause of the damage.