What Causes Water Damage At Home?

Approximately 40% of all homeowners have experienced a loss from water damage that calls for a water damage repair. It can damage your paint, ruin your wood, and spread contamination. On the contrary, 93% of the ongoing water damage could get prevented with the right kind of knowledge.

Water damage in your home is more than just mold proliferation, soaked carpets, and the awful musky smell. The damage can also lead to compromise in your health along with the structural integrity of your home.

To bypass these water damage issues, identifying the root cause is necessary at its early stage to take necessary measures at the right time before it worsens. If the problem gets ignored at infancy, one might end up spending a bundle on the water damage repairs.

We will be highlighting the most common causes of water in the households across. It will help you identify the cause and take preventive measures fast in case of water damage.

Major Causes Of Water Damage At Home

1. Plumbing System Leakage:

A leak in the plumbing system is the most obvious and common source of water damage in your home. The only problem with these leaks is the visibility. They are only easily visible under the sink.

There is a high possibility that a rusty pipe will leak eventually. The pipe should be swapped out with another in that case. Do not wait for later as you might have to deal with the water damage from the leaks too. So, to avoid emergency repair and restoration of water damage, call professional plumbers of regular plumbing inspection. They will fix all leakages on the spot.

2. Clogged Downspouts And Gutters:

The majority of homeowners are guilty of overlooking their gutter maintenance and only clean them when they have to. Clogged gutters may lead to cracking as the water pools and overflows to the underside of the house before collecting near the foundation.

Eventually, this water will flow and get collected in the basement. It is the major cause of mold growth and proliferation on the underside, which later causes the awful stench smell due to the water damage in your basement.

3. Faulty Appliances:

Many individuals are unaware that old and defective appliances can potentially cause water damage. Water damage is especially common in washing machines and aging water heaters. This water damage is the result of faulty hoses or connections leading to the appliance.

All of the water from these broken connections drains to the floor, where it pools. Mold development and multiplication ensue, as does an unpleasant musky odor emanating from the basement. Look for warning signals that your water heater is getting old and replace it as needed. Also, inspect your hose connections on a regular basis for leaks or damage.

4. Clogged Toilets:

When too much solid debris travels down the toilet, it clogs the drains. It causes toilet water to overflow and flood your bathroom floor. This is usually a complex scenario, and it always happens at the worst possible times.

Aside from the unsightly scenario, a clogged toilet can cause a range of health problems if not addressed promptly.

5. Burst Pipes:

When the temperature in the house drops dramatically, pipes are more likely to rupture. The ice in the pipes expands rapidly, causing the pipes to explode. In such a scenario, you call a professional water damage restoration company without looking at the clock.

Pipes that are old and rusted are more prone to burst. Therefore, you should probably examine the condition of your pipes just to be safe. If your pipes are nearing the end of their useful life, you should probably replace them once and for all.

6. Sewage Backup And Septic Tank:

If you have a septic tank, you must be very cautious regarding septic backups. This happens when the septic tank fills up or when there is too much rain, and the septic tank overflows. When this happens, the organic waste in the sewage lines or septic tank backs up through the drains into your home.

Even contemplating the possibility is revolting, so don’t even get us started on what this means for your home. If this happens to you, call your plumber right away so they can take care of the problem and restore your home’s habitability.

7. Air Conditioner:

Condensation is produced by your air conditioning unit, with moisture dripping from the unit’s evaporator coil into a drain pan and out of your property via a condensate drain line. This drainage system is effective until the drain pan becomes damaged or the condensate drain line becomes clogged with dust or dirt.

Because the water cannot escape, it will leak from your AC and into your home. Water dripping from your AC unit can cause damage to the floor and walls, as well as make your insulation soggy.

8. Adverse Weather Conditions:

Water damage might occur for reasons unrelated to the plumbing system or any other housing components. Water damage to your home can also be caused by inclement weather. These weather conditions could include anything from heavy rain to flooding and heavy snow.

There isn’t much you can do about bad weather except take steps to avoid water damage. If you suspect heavy rain, inspect your gutters, downspouts, and outdoor drainage. Call professional water damage repair services to do the needful.

9. Your Garbage Disposal Floods Cabinets:

You can repair the most disposal leaks at home, but when this appliance fails, it can explode. As the unit’s body ages, leaks form around the bottom housing and flood cabinets with a filthy mixture of food, debris, and water. When this occurs, you must replace the disposal.

10. Fire Sprinkler Systems Freeze As Well:

These life-saving systems are found in high-rises, condos, and newer homes, but without adequate winter maintenance, residential fire sprinklers can freeze. Cold-weather sprinkler routines keep the family safe and help to avoid water damage caused by burst pipes.

How To Prevent Water Damage At Home?

1. Understand Where The Stopcock Is:

Ensure that not only you but also your family members are aware of its location. A catastrophic leak or breach can cause significant damage in minutes. It is critical to understand where and how to turn off the water supply. Consult with emergency water damage repair experts if there is any catastrophic leak.

2. Check For Leaks Ahead Of Time:

Minor leaks can go undetected for a long time and cause severe harm if left unchecked. Consider that a dripping faucet can waste up to 57 gallons (260 liters) of water every week. Look for stray water beneath sinks and around equipment like dishwashers and washing machines.

3. Check If Your Sump Pump Is Operational:

The sump pump, which is common in basement homes, performs an important function in ensuring that your basement does not flood after prolonged periods of rain. If you have one, make sure it’s well-maintained and serviced at least once a year.

4. Keep Debris Out Of Your Gutters:

While leaves are the most prevalent cause of blocked drains, this isn’t just a seasonal problem. You have to frequently identify moss and weeds as they are the primary culprit of water damage. Clogged drains have a significant role in moisture problems. If you see water flowing down the side of your house or if your gutters look to be sagging, they’re probably blocked. So, you have to call professional drain cleaning services to keep your drainage system intact.

5. Inspect Your Roof From The Inside Out:

Examine the inside of your attic for evidence of water leaking through the roof. Examine the joists for moist places and the plaster for tea-colored stains. Inspect the roof for visible damage and make sure the flashing around any chimneys is in good condition.

6. Keep Your Pipes From Freezing:

Even if you expect to be away, use a smart thermostat to keep your home at a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius. Warm water must be able to circulate through pipes to avoid freezing damage. If a home will be vacant for an extended length of time, switch off the water supply at the stopcock and consider draining the system to ensure that no water remains in the pipes.

7. Proper Insulation Of Exposed Pipes:

Snap-on pipe insulation is inexpensive and effective, and you can also use it outside.

8. Install A Gadget To Detect Water Leaks:

Detection devices, which are relatively inexpensive, cut off the water supply in the event of a leak, which is critical if you leave your property unattended for extended periods of time.

9. Look For Any Signs Of Dampness Or Mold:

You can detect damp by flaking paint or wallpaper, as well as black, speckled markings on skirting and sills. If your walls are cold to the touch or have a musty odor, try adding more insulation. In the morning, check windows and skylights for condensation. Its presence can signal that your home has higher-than-average moisture levels. Instantly connect with water damage restoration experts to locate the leak and fix the issue

Conclusion:

You are now aware of numerous causes of water damage in the home. As previously stated, water damage can result from roof leaks, sewage damage, flood and storm damage, and burst or leaky pipelines. Emergency water damage repair of these issues is necessary to avoid the compromise of your home’s structural integrity.

Originally published at https://www.ezrestorationusa.com on June 17, 2022.