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Household Water Damage: Common Causes and Its Sources

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What causes water damage in your property?

Water damage usually occurs when excess water begins to flood in the areas where it shouldn’t. Many different factors can be the leading reason to create this excess water and thereby contribute to water damage. 

Being aware of the potential water damage causes gives you time and space to take precautionary measures to help insure against a leak or flood. When aware, you will also be able to spot a problem as soon as it arises and nips it in the bud before it has the chance to cause any additional damage. As soon as you notice and identify the problem, the less work the water extraction and water damage restoration company will have to fix.

As an owner, whether residential or commercial building owner, you have to be aware of the possible ways to protect your property against damages. It is very unlikely to think of one’s homes being ravaged by the elements, but it happens, and when it does, you need to be prepared. Instead of being reactive, you can try taking proactive steps to safeguard your homes and protect your belongings.

Water damage can be attributed to several sources. Some of them can be controlled and the problem can be prevented, but others are related to external threats and there is little one can do. Here are some common causes and sources of water damages:

Plumbing Problems

This is one of the most common sources of water damage. While some plumbing issues occur within the walls and are impossible to detect, many happen because of hoses and pipe joints not being fully attached. Periodic once-overs under your sink can help mitigate any plumbing problems. It happens when water pipes in the bathroom or kitchen break or leak due to wear and tear or temperature fluctuations. Whereas leaking pipes won’t cause too much damage if they are found and fixed promptly, burst ones can have catastrophic results unless the water supply valve is turned off quickly. Pipes located in basements or installed in exterior walls can easily freeze during the winter and so they are more susceptible to break.

Clogged Drains

All it takes is one toilet flush and the bathroom floor can be drenched with water in a matter of seconds. If your toilet is clogged, it means that not only can you not use the toilet, but you will likely also experience water backing up into the shower, sinks, or bathroom floor. Sewer water is extremely dangerous because it contains raw sewage and bacteria, and must be cleaned up by a professional. If your kitchen sink drain is backing up, you can experience sink overflow and subsequent damages to your kitchen flooring and cabinetry. Make sure to seek professional help when experiencing frequent drain clogs so you don’t have to deal with water damage to your home on top of the clog itself. It can also appear in gutters. Gutters will not drain water properly if they have a blockage from debris such as leaves and branches. When this happens, water flows over the gutters’ edges and runs down the side of your home. This can cause water to seep into the home around your foundation. Water damage can also be caused when there is a sewer system failure and water back up and fills the home floors.

Leaking Pipes.

Water damage in the home is often caused by leaky pipes. Let’s pretend that you have a loose-fitting pipe under the kitchen sink or in the bathroom, and you’ve just recently noticed water pooling in that area. Pipes that burst or leak are common culprits of water damage. Drains and toilets that get backed up and blocked can cause undue pressure in the pipe, which then causes it to burst or leak. Garbage disposals that aren’t working properly are another common reason for pipes to burst, as are roots that grow in the yard into the sewer lines. Old or rusty pipes are also more prone to leaking. Don’t wait to call a plumber – a leak in one place in your home could signify leaks in other areas, too. If you notice spikes in your water bill, a leak is likely present and needs to be addressed before additional damage is caused to your landscaping, foundation, flooring, or other areas of the home.

Malfunctioning Household Appliances

As household appliances get older, their pipes begin to rust and crack and their hoses can weaken. Washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters, and dishwashers are all susceptible to deterioration, so keep an eye on older machines. The two main appliances that cause water damage in homes most frequently are washing machines and hot water tanks. Any problem with these appliances must be addressed quickly, but it’s also wise to maintain them and replace worn parts.

Natural Disasters and Weather-Related Problems

While you have no control over natural water-related disasters, you can take all the preventative measures possible ahead of time to minimize their effect on your home. Flash floods, sudden storms, and hurricanes can all trigger water buildup. Prompt attention by contacting a Water Restoration Team as soon as you can after a weather-related issue. It will help lessen the time for water damage to occur. Also, it is vital to keep in mind that insurance companies have better plans for residences, which have taken all the necessary precautionary measures.

Stated above are the top five causes of interior water damage. By knowing the most common causes of home water damage, you’ll be able to take preventative steps to avoid them. But what if it’s too late for prevention? Our home water damage restoration company offers service throughout the Lake Elsinore area, so you’ll always be in good hands. 

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