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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Six Common Causes for Water Loss

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration

While even clean water can be damaging and require the need for water damage restoration services, it’s reassuring to know that unwanted water in your building is not contaminated or unsafe to handle.

Here are six common causes of water loss, that are considered Category 1 water.

Broken Supply Line

Supply lines can start to leak around fittings and connections, or a sharp object can cause a supply line: broken pipe to break completely and start to gush out. Deterioration, freezing temperatures, and earthquakes can also can a water line to break.

Cracked or Broken Pipe

Broken pipes are a common cause of water damage. While an undetected leak that has been sitting for a long period time is likely contaminated, a recent pipe burst is a clean water source.

Overflowing Sink or Tub

If a sink or tub is accidentally left leaking or a drain is plugged, water can overflow and cause extensive damage. As long as there were no contaminants in the sink or tub, this water is considered Category 1.

Clean Toilet Bowls

An overflowing toilet with no urine or feces in it is still considered clean water. If only urine is present, the water is labeled Category 2. Water with feces is grossly contaminated Category 3 water.

Melted Ice or Snow and Rainwater.

As long as it hasn’t come into contact with contaminants, water from melted ice or snow is safe to handle. Additionally, rainwater is considered clean enough to touch and even consume.

Appliance Malfunction

While water that leaks from a dishwasher or washing machine may be slightly contaminated, other appliance leaks are considered safe. However, you will need to be careful to avoid electrical hazards.


A positive sign that floodwater in your building is Category 1 is that it came from a clean water source. While there are other potential causes of flooding or leaks, these water sources are some of the most common.

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