Flood damage is simply a different kind of water damage, right?

When it comes to water damage vs. flood damage, flood damage presents high health hazards, could need additional insurance protection, and they can cost more to repair.

But what precisely constitutes flood damage, exactly what comprises water damage, and why does it matter? Let’s start with the causes.

Reasons for Water Damage

Water damage is an easy category with multiple causes. Your home can incur water damage starting from a leaking water heater, a burst sewer line, an overflowing toilet, or even dozens of other sources in your home.

Causes of Flood Damage

According to FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency), flood damage is caused by:

•   overflow of inland or even tidal waters

•   Uncommon and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source

•   Mud flow

•   collapse or even subsidence of land along the shores for this lake or similar body of water due to erosion or undermining as a result of waves or flow of water surpassing anticipated cyclical levels which lead to a flood

A flood is defined as a temporary situation where two or additional acres of dry-land, or two or more units of property, are covered in water from one of the above-water sources.

Distinguishing Flood Damage from Water Damage

One good way to distinguish water damage from flood damage is by answering this easy question: is the house the only one having any problems?

If the answer will be yes, then you’re likely dealing with water damage.

If the answer is no, and one or more house is having the same issue, then it is likely a result of flood damage.

Insurance Coverage for Water Damage vs Flood Damage

Water damage is typically protected by homeowner’s insurance. When taking care of water damage, you should contact your local full service repair company to discuss your homeowner’s insurance policy with your provider, determine insurance coverage and payout, and come up with a repair plan.

Flood insurance, on the other hand, is not insured by your typical homeowner’s insurance policy.  You must invest in a separate NFIP approved flood insurance policy and before any damages have occurred.

Flood damage and water damage are different but they are both terrible events that can ruin your month or even year. If you need help, call us for emergency services.