The Differences Between Water Damage and Flood Damage | SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Knowing the differences between water damage and flooding can really help with the restoration of your home or business!

There is no type of water damage that a homeowner in Dutchess County will *want* to deal with, but there are several different types of water damage that homeowners should always be aware of. Water damage will typically come as a complete surprise, whether it is a result of a flash flood, burst pipe or sewage backup.

In these scenarios, it is important to be prepared so you know what the best course of action is
for your situation. While water damage and flood damage are fundamentally different, knowing
how to react to them can help you take action quickly so you can have the damage remedied
much faster.

Causes of Water Damage

In the most general of terms, water damage occurs by water that has yet to make contact with
the ground. Water damage can be caused by plumbing issues, such as leaks, backed-up
sewage or drains or burst pipes within the home, but it can also be caused by weather-related
incidents.
For example, if there are heavy rains, a leak in your roof or around a window frame would be
considered water damage, whereas storm water seeping into a basement would likely be
deemed as flood damage.

Causes of Flood Damage

Floods are defined simply as “an excess of water on land that is normally dry.” Floods can be
caused by an overflow of bodies of water or rapid accumulation of runoff in surface waters, in
addition to mudflow.
Floods can happen in known floodplains, but they can also happen in areas without a history of
flooding due to various factors. 2021 certainly showed us that with the influx of water many of us experienced and have never had flooding before.

How Differently Are Water Damage and Flood Damage Handled?

Flood damage and water damage are similar, but the way they are handled is quite different.
Depending on the incident that caused the flood, floodwater can often be extremely
contaminated and must be dealt with quite carefully to avoid injury or bodily harm.
Additionally, household water damage will often be covered by insurance, whereas flood
damage is only covered if a homeowner has purchased a separate flood insurance policy.

In either case, it is important to promptly get professional water restoration help—mold can quickly begin growing after water damage, and water contamination can make this
issue even more serious.

*If you have water or flood damage in your home, we can help! We are experienced with both types of restoration and are here for your emergencies 24/7. Call SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County as soon as you find a problem!