Water damage is a common problem that can have severe consequences for your property. Knowing the causes and types of water damage will help you take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place or act quickly to mitigate its effects.

### Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

– **Natural disasters:** Floods, hurricanes, and heavy rains can all cause water damage.
– **Plumbing leaks:** Leaky pipes, faucets, and water heaters are a common source of water damage.
– **Appliance malfunctions:** Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators can all leak or malfunction, leading to water damage.
– **Roof leaks:** Damaged or leaking roofs can allow water to seep into your home.
– **Condensation:** Condensation on cold surfaces, such as windows and pipes, can lead to mold and mildew growth.

### Types of Water Damage

There are three main categories of water damage:

**Category 1: Clean Water**

– Caused by broken water pipes, leaky faucets, or overflowing appliances.
– Contains no harmful contaminants.

**Category 2: Gray Water**

– Caused by dishwasher or washing machine overflows, sewage backups, or sump pump failures.
– Contains bacteria and other contaminants. Can cause illness if ingested.

**Category 3: Black Water**

– Caused by flooding from rivers, lakes, or sewage backups.
– Contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Can cause serious illness if ingested or touched.

It’s important to act quickly to mitigate the effects of water damage. If your property has been affected by water damage, contact a professional water damage restoration company immediately.