When protecting your home, understanding the difference between water damage and flood damage is essential. 

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct types of damage that require different restoration approaches. Knowing how to distinguish between the two can significantly influence how you respond to and recover from water-related disasters.

What Is Water Damage?

Water damage refers to the destruction or deterioration of a property caused by unwanted or excessive water. This type of damage can occur suddenly, such as from a burst pipe, or gradually over time, like a slow leak from a roof. 

Common Causes of Water Damage in a Home 

Water damage in a home can originate from several sources. Each presents unique challenges that homeowners should be aware of. 

Roof Leaks

When a roof is compromised due to age, missing shingles, or storm damage, water can seep into the attic and other areas of the home. This not only damages the ceiling and walls but also promotes bacterial growth. 

Plumbing Leaks 

Plumbing systems are a lifeline for today’s households but can also cause property damage when they fail. Leaks can occur from worn-out pipe joints, damaged pipes, or loose fittings. 

Appliance Malfunctions

Washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can also wreak havoc in a home if they break down. A burst hose, a faulty valve, or an overflowing machine can quickly release large volumes of water, often causing flooding that can damage flooring, cabinets, and personal belongings. 

Sewage Backups

When the sewer system becomes overwhelmed or clogged, it can force contaminated water back into the home through drains. Unfortunately, sewage backups also pose serious health risks due to the presence of harmful bacteria and pathogens. 

What Is Flood Damage?

Flood damage occurs when water from an external source submerges a home, causing extensive harm to its structure and contents. It is typically the result of large-scale natural events that bring an overwhelming amount of water into living spaces. 

How Much Water Is Considered a Flood?

According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a situation is considered a flood if it involves excess water that covers at least two acres of normally dry land or affects two or more properties. 

That said, flooding can be anywhere from just a few inches of water to several feet. More importantly, it doesn’t take much floodwater to cause extensive damage. Even a few inches can pave the way to severe structural damage and create dangerous conditions. 

Causes of Flood Damage

Flood damage is usually caused by natural events that result in a sudden and significant increase in water levels, including the following: 

Heavy Rainfall 

When rain falls faster than the ground can absorb it, or when drainage systems are overwhelmed, water can quickly accumulate, leading to flooding. 

Hurricanes

Hurricanes bring intense rainfall that can overwhelm drainage systems and rivers and high winds that can drive water inland, causing severe flood damage to homes and infrastructure.

Storm Surges

Storm surges are abnormal rises in sea level during a storm, caused primarily by high winds pushing water onshore. Unfortunately, they can happen quickly and with little warning, causing catastrophic coastal flooding.

River Overflows

Also known as riverine flooding, river overflows occur when rivers exceed their banks due to excessive rainfall. This type of flooding can spill into nearby communities and cause severe damage to homes and properties. 

Water Damage vs. Flood Damage: Key Points of Comparison

When disaster strikes in the form of water, it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between water and flood damage. Here are some key points to remember to help you understand what emergency you’re dealing with. 

Severity and Scope of Damage

Water damage typically involves localized issues, like a burst pipe or a leaky water heater, and affects only a specific area in a home. In contrast, flood damage is more severe and extensive, often covering entire floors of houses.

Floodwaters can also carry debris, mud, and contaminants, leading to more extensive damage and requiring more complex restoration processes. 

Contamination and Health Risks 

Water damage from sources like a leaky pipe usually involves clean or slightly contaminated water. However, floodwaters often contain hazardous materials, including sewage, chemicals, and pathogens. This makes flood damage more dangerous, posing significant health risks such as exposure to bacteria, viruses, and mold. 

Insurance Coverage 

One critical difference between water and flood damage is how they are covered by insurance. Standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover water damage caused by internal sources, like plumbing issues. However, flood damage is not usually covered under standard policies and requires a separate plan. 

Restoration Process

Water damage repair generally involves drying out the affected area, fixing leaks, and replacing damaged materials. On the other hand, flood damage cleanup is more complex, requiring extensive cleaning, removal of contaminated water and materials, and sometimes structural repairs. 

Take Your First Step Toward Recovery With Restoration 1

While water damage may seem less severe when compared to the expansive impact of flood damage, both can significantly disrupt your life and cause extensive damage to your property.

More importantly, water damage vs. flood damage is more than just learning the distinction between the two—it’s about recognizing the source and extent of the damage to take the proper steps toward recovery. 

Restoration 1 specializes in addressing both water and flood damage with the expertise and care your home deserves. Whether you’re dealing with a burst pipe, a flooded basement, or a damaged property due to a flash flood, we’re equipped to handle any issue and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. 

Call your nearest Restoration 1 team today and look forward to a restored property and peace of mind.