Water damage can be caused by various factors, including:
Water damage can be categorized into three main types:
Clean water originates from sources such as broken pipes, leaking faucets, or overflowing appliances. It is generally considered the least harmful type of water damage.
Gray water is slightly contaminated from sources like washing machines, sinks, or bathtubs. It can contain bacteria and other microorganisms and requires proper cleaning and disinfection.
Black water is heavily contaminated from sources like sewage backups, toilet overflows, or floodwaters. It contains harmful pathogens and toxins and requires immediate professional remediation.
The three categories of water damage are:
* Category 1: Clean water damage that generally does not pose a health risk and can be cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours.
* Category 2: Gray water damage that requires professional cleaning, disinfection, and drying within 48-72 hours to prevent mold growth.
* Category 3: Black water damage that poses a significant health risk and requires extensive remediation, including removal of contaminated materials and professional drying.