Why Not All Water Damage Is the Same

Water damage can be a major headache for any homeowner, causing damage to your floors, walls, and the structure of your home. However, not all homeowners know that not all water damage is created equal. Here are a few things you should know about water damage and how to tell the difference between the types of water damage in your home.

What Caused Your Water Damage?

Some of the most common causes of water damage in the home include burst pipes, appliance malfunction, heavy rain, or even floods. The cause of the damage can be a primary factor in determining how to best remedy your issue, whether it’s replacing pipes or cleaning your gutters. 

How Severe is the Damage?

Another factor to consider is the severity of the damage. Water flowing into your home can foster mold growth in your walls, and water damage can cause severe issues. Water intrusion can cause severe damage to the structural integrity of your home and furnishings, and foster mold growth and odor in carpets, walls, and other materials.

The Three Categories of Water Damage

The most significant difference between different types of water damage is the category of water involved. There are three categories of water damage people should keep in mind when assessing the damage to their homes.

Category 1 Water Damage

Category 1 is the least severe category of water damage in the home, dealing with clean, clear water flowing into the house. Category 1 is safe for humans and pets and can result from various causes, from burst pipes or supply lines, overflowing bathtubs, or melting ice or snow. Category 1 water damage can still cause significant damage to your home and foster mold growth, and should still be addressed immediately to avoid sustaining greater damage.

Category 2 Water Damage

Category 2 is often called “grey water” due to the clean water mixed with chemicals or contamination. Grey water can cause physical discomfort to you or your pets, depending on what types of pollutants are in the water. Grey water often comes from overflowing appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, or toilets. Category 2 water damage should be dealt with quickly by homeowners, or it could escalate into Category 3.

Category 3 Water Damage

Category 3 is the most dangerous category of water damage, often referred to as “black water.” Black water typically results from sewage backup leaking into the home, containing hazardous pollutants and chemicals that can cause serious harm. Category 3 water damage can also come from rising water levels due to heavy rain or storms affecting waterfront homes. Category 3 water damage is the most potentially harmful of the three.

What Types of Material Are Affected?

Water damage can differ wildly based on where the damage is affecting your home. Hardwood floors can buckle or warp due to water damage, and carpeting and padding soaks up the water. Water damage can weaken your drywall, with the wall needing to be thoroughly dried and eventually replaced due to the damage.Water can also cause significant damage to the possessions in your home, as well as the structure of the building. Electronics in your home can be susceptible to water damage due to ions in the water, requiring extensive cleaning or even replacement. Upholstered furniture will also require comprehensive cleaning to remedy the effects of water damage.

Flood Damage

Flood damage can be a different beast altogether, as many kinds of home damage insurance cover water damage but do not include flood damage. Floods require their own policies and insurance claims regarding damage restoration. Homeowners should discuss flood insurance policies with their insurance company and understand if their policy covers water damage, flood damage, and the difference between them.

AdvantaClean - the Water Damage Restoration Experts!

If you’re struggling with water damage in your home, let the experts at AdvantaClean help! We offer various water damage restoration services, as well as mold remediation, mold removal, and basement waterproofing. We also offer emergency services for homeowners affected by winter storms, hurricanes, and flood damage. Contact AdvantaClean today to learn more about how we can help.