Water Damage vs. Flood Damage: Understanding the Key Differences

Water damage and flood damage are often confused, but when it comes to insurance coverage, restoration needs, and prevention strategies, understanding the difference is crucial. At ASAP Restoration, servicing Los Angeles, CA, we help homeowners and business owners recover from all types of water-related disasters. Here’s what you need to know about water damage vs. flood damage.

What is Water Damage?

Water damage occurs when water unexpectedly enters your home or business due to internal issues such as plumbing failures, roof leaks, or appliance malfunctions.

Common Causes of Water Damage:

• Burst or leaking pipes
• Roof leaks from heavy rain
• Water heater failures
• HVAC leaks
• Overflowing sinks, tubs, or toilets

Insurance Coverage for Water Damage:

Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, as long as it is not due to negligence. However, gradual leaks or damage caused by poor maintenance may not be covered.

What is Flood Damage?

Flood damage is defined as water that enters your property from an external source, covering at least two or more acres or affecting multiple properties in the area.

Common Causes of Flood Damage:

• Heavy rainfall or flash floods
• Overflowing rivers, lakes, or storm surges
• Hurricanes and extreme weather events
• Drainage system failures
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Insurance Coverage for Flood Damage:

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. To protect your property, you need a separate flood insurance policy through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

Key Differences Between Water Damage and Flood Damage

• Source of Water: Water damage comes from internal sources (pipes, leaks), while flood damage is caused by external sources (weather, natural disasters).
• Insurance Coverage: Water damage is often covered by homeowners insurance, but flood damage requires separate flood insurance.
• Extent of Damage: Water damage typically affects isolated areas inside a home, while flood damage often leads to widespread destruction.

Need Professional Water or Flood Damage Restoration?

At ASAP Restoration, we provide 24/7 emergency water damage restoration for homes and businesses in Los Angeles, CA. Whether it’s a plumbing failure or storm-related flooding, we are here to help.