Floods- By Us or Nature
                     Floods- By Us or 
Nature?
Introduction
When you picture flooding, the word 
“natural disaster” probably comes to mind. 
However, many floods are anything but 
natural, stemming from plumbing systems, 
appliances, and other man-made 
inventions. 
Source: rainbowintl.com
Natural Floods
• River flooding from long, steady rain
• Flash flooding caused by sudden, heavy 
rain
• Coastal flooding from extreme tidal 
conditions
Source: rainbowintl.com
Man-Made 
Floods
• Burst water heater tanks
• Broken washing machine, dishwasher, or 
ice maker water lines
• Air conditioner leaks
• Overflowed toilets, sinks, or tubs
• Backed up sewer systems
• Frozen pipes that subsequently burst
Source: rainbowintl.com
Likelihood of 
Natural Floods
Floods are the most common type of natural 
disaster in the US. Ninety percent of officially 
declared national disasters are flood-related, 
and every state has had a flood in the past 
five years. Of course, homes located near the 
coast or rivers, in low-lying areas, or in wet 
climates have an increased chance of 
experiencing a natural flood.
Source: rainbowintl.com
Likelihood of 
Man-Made 
Floods
The likelihood of a plumbing-related flood 
depends largely on how you take care of your 
appliances and pipes. After all, it’s estimated 
that 93 percent of water damage originating 
inside the home can be prevented.
Source: rainbowintl.com
Likelihood of 
Man-Made 
Floods cont.
If you ignore your plumbing and water-
connected appliances, you increase your 
chances of a man-made flood. However, if 
you regularly check the condition of water 
supply lines, have your water heater 
maintained, and only flush approved items 
down the toilet, your chances of experiencing 
a disaster decrease.
Source: rainbowintl.com
Level of 
Potential 
Damage from 
Natural Floods
From 2006 to 2015, natural flooding in the US 
resulted in nearly $2 billion in insurance 
claims. In recent years, the average 
individual flood claim amounted to more than 
$46,000. 
Texas saw the highest number of flood 
insurance claims in 2015 – nearly 10,000 
totaling more than $520 million in claim 
payments.
Source: rainbowintl.com
Level of Potential 
Damage from 
Natural Floods 
cont.
Even an inch or two of floodwater in your 
basement can cause tremendous damage. 
What’s worse is that all floodwater from lakes 
and rivers is treated as Category 3 (black) 
water, meaning it could contain pathogens 
that would make you seriously ill if you 
ingested it. 
Source: rainbowintl.com
Level of Potential 
Damage from 
Man-Made Floods
The degree of damage caused by man-made 
floods depends largely on the source:
• Category 1 (clean) water from broken 
water supply lines, or sink or tub overflows, 
has no contaminants and therefore does 
less damage.
• Category 2 (grey) water from overflowed 
washing machines or dishwashers contain 
a higher level of contamination.
• Category 3 (black) water from a toilet 
overflowing or sewage backup is grossly 
unsanitary and cost more to clean up.
Source: rainbowintl.com
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