Water damage can be caused by different sources such as a broken dishwasher hose, a washing machine malfunction, a leaking dishwasher , broken or leaking pipes, flood waters and clogged toilets. The sooner the water damage clean up begins, the less overall damage will occur.
According to Claims Magazine in August 2000, broken water pipes ranked second to hurricanes in terms of both the number of homes damaged and the amount of claims. Experts suggest that homeowners regularly inspect, maintain, and replace worn pipe fittings and hose connections to household appliances that use water at least once per year. These appliances include washing machines, dishwashers, bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, toilets, refrigerator icemakers, water softeners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers.
When it comes to water damage, there are 3 categories:
Category 1 Water – Refers to a source of water that does not pose substantial threat to people and classified as “clean water“. Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows or appliance malfunction, like a refrigerator line that involves water supply lines.
Category 2 Water – Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to. Known as “grey water“. This type carries micro organisms and nutrients of micro organisms. Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic failure and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.
Category 3 Water – Known as “black water” and is grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 category are contaminated water sources that affects the indoor environment. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water or standing water. Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from the structure and or have remained stagnant may be re classified as Category 3 Water. Toilet back flows that originates from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water contamination regardless of visible content or color.
