Causes of Water Damage
Water damage can originate from various sources, including:
- Burst pipes
- Leaking roofs
- Flooding due to natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes)
- Faulty appliances
- Negligence (e.g., leaving water running in a sink)
Types of Water Damage
Water damage is classified into three categories:
Category 1: Clean Water
Caused by a sanitary water source (e.g., tap water), it is considered the least damaging and easiest to remediate.
Category 2: Gray Water
Derived from appliances or contaminated sources (e.g., washing machines, sewage backups), it requires immediate action due to potential health risks.
Category 3: Black Water
Contaminated by sewage or other hazardous substances, it presents a serious health threat and requires extensive cleanup and disinfection.
Legal Definition of Water Damage
Legally, water damage can be defined as “any damage to property caused by water, regardless of its source.”
When it occurs in a commercial setting, water damage may have significant legal implications, particularly regarding property liability and insurance coverage.
Owners and tenants have a legal responsibility to mitigate the extent of water damage and take reasonable steps to prevent future incidents.