Water Damage: Causes, Types, and Legal Definition

Water damage is a serious problem that can cause extensive damage to your home or business. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including weather events, plumbing leaks, and appliance failures.

Causes of Water Damage

* **Weather events:** Heavy rains, floods, hurricanes, and snowstorms can all cause water damage to your property.
* **Plumbing leaks:** Leaky pipes, faucets, and water heaters are a common cause of water damage.
* **Appliance failures:** Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators can all leak water and cause damage to your home or business.

Types of Water Damage

Water damage can be classified into three categories, depending on the source of the water:

* **Clean water:** This type of water damage is caused by clean sources of water, such as rainwater or water from a broken water pipe.
* **Gray water:** This type of water damage is caused by water that has been contaminated with soap, detergents, or other chemicals.
* **Black water:** This type of water damage is caused by water that has been contaminated with sewage or other hazardous materials.

What is the Legal Definition of Water Damage?

The legal definition of water damage varies from state to state. However, in general, water damage is defined as any damage to property that is caused by water. This can include damage to the structure of a building, as well as damage to personal belongings.

It is important to note that water damage is not always covered by insurance. In order to determine whether or not your water damage is covered, you should contact your insurance company.