Water damage is a major cause of property loss in the United States. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural disasters, plumbing failures, and human error. By understanding the different causes of water damage, you can identify your own risks and take preventative measures to protect your home.

### What is the Root Cause of Water Damage?
The root cause of water damage is an excess of moisture in an area where it is not wanted. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

– **Flooding:** Flooding is the most common cause of water damage. It can be caused by heavy rains, snowmelt, or dam failures.
– **Plumbing failures:** Plumbing failures are another common cause of water damage. These can include leaks in pipes, faucets, or appliances.
– **Human error:** Human error is a leading cause of water damage. This can include accidentally leaving a water faucet on, or failing to properly maintain your plumbing system.

## Types of Water Damage
There are two main types of water damage:

– **Clean water damage:** Clean water damage is caused by water that is free of contaminants. This type of water damage is typically caused by plumbing failures or human error.
– **Dirty water damage:** Dirty water damage is caused by water that is contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or other pollutants. This type of water damage is typically caused by flooding or sewage backups.

### Clean Water Damage
Clean water damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

– **Plumbing leaks:** Leaks in pipes, faucets, or appliances can all cause clean water damage.
– **Water heater failures:** Water heater failures can also cause clean water damage.
– **Frozen pipes:** Frozen pipes can burst and cause clean water damage.
– **Roof leaks:** Roof leaks can allow water to seep into your home and cause clean water damage.
– **Window leaks:** Window leaks can also allow water to seep into your home and cause clean water damage.

### Dirty Water Damage
Dirty water damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

– **Flooding:** Flooding can cause dirty water damage if the floodwaters contain sewage or other contaminants.
– **Sewage backups:** Sewage backups can also cause dirty water damage.
– **Chemical spills:** Chemical spills can also cause dirty water damage.
– **Oil spills:** Oil spills can also cause dirty water damage.