Water damage

Water damage

**Water damage** occurs when unwanted water infiltrates materials and systems, causing destructive processes like wood rot, mold growth, and electrical malfunctions. This damage can range from subtle water spots to catastrophic flooding events that result in significant property loss.

Common Causes and Prevention

A tiny 1/8-inch pipe crack can release 250 gallons of water daily. The **Environmental Protection Agency** reports that plumbing leaks account for 13.7% of household water usage, wasting about 10,000 gallons annually per US home. Common sources include broken appliance hoses, washing machine overflows, leaky pipes, and building envelope failures.

Water Categories and Health Risks

Clean Water Sources

**Category 1** water comes from sanitary sources like broken water supply lines and overflowing sinks. This water doesn’t pose immediate health risks.

Grey Water Concerns

**Category 2** water contains chemical or biological contaminants. Sources include dishwasher discharge and sump pump failures.

Black Water Hazards

**Category 3** water carries harmful bacteria and fungi. It originates from sewage, seawater, or flood waters.

Damage Classification System

The extent of water damage falls into four distinct classes:

**Class 1**: Affects less than 5% of room surfaces with minimal absorption

**Class 2**: Impacts 5-40% of room surfaces, including carpets and walls up to 24 inches

**Class 3**: Involves over 40% of room surfaces, including ceilings and insulation

**Class 4**: Requires specialized drying for materials like hardwood, concrete, and plaster

Professional Restoration Process

Modern restoration involves precise moisture measurement and specialized equipment. Professionals use air movers, scrubbers, and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture content below 15%, preventing microbial growth. They monitor conditions every 24 hours until materials reach safe moisture levels.

Insurance and Financial Protection

While standard homeowner’s insurance might cover some water damage, many policies exclude flood damage. **FEMA** grants can help in large-scale flooding situations, as demonstrated by Fond du Lac, Wisconsin’s $1.2 million grant for flood recovery.

Citations:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_damage_restoration