Water damage can occur due to various circumstances, including:
Water damage is classified into three categories based on the source of the water:
Originating from a sanitary source (e.g., broken water pipe), clean water does not pose a health hazard unless it interacts with building materials.
Derived from sources such as dishwashers or washing machines, gray water contains bacteria and is considered a health risk if ingested or in contact with skin.
Sewage or floodwater, black water presents significant health hazards as it contains bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
The legal definition of water damage varies depending on jurisdiction. However, it generally refers to damage caused by water that originates from an external or internal source, excluding flood damage.