One of the biggest nightmares for all homeowners would be water damage. The devastating consequences are often long-lasting and take a significant mental and financial toll on people.
Once your property undergoes water damage, you have to act promptly and get it repaired before further deterioration.
This blog will guide you through the potential risks that cause water damage in homes and how to prevent it.
Common Causes of Residential Water Damage
Harsh Weather Conditions
Climate changes have recently made Mother Nature even more unpredictable, and events like hurricanes, floods, and snowstorms are the biggest culprits for water damage to your property.
Preventive Measures: You can’t prevent bad weather conditions, but you can take steps to reduce the damage caused by them by:
- Installing flood sensors, especially if you live in flood-prone areas.
- Get sump pumps for your basement.
- Keep gutters cleaned up so they don’t overflow.
- Get flood insurance for your property, which will help you during restoration.
Pipe Bursts
The network of pipes in our house, especially older ones, can be subjected to cracking and wearing out. Also, unexpected pressure changes (mainly during winters) and improper installation make your pipes burst.
Preventive Measures: You can easily avoid this problem by being more attentive.
- Do regular inspections to spot warning signs such as peeling paint, water pooling, rusting pipes, spiked water bills, and a musty odor.
- Get your pipes insulated during the winter season.
- Call professionals on time to fix the pipe issues before they worsen.
Leaky Roofs
When a roof, the first line of defense, is ruined or damaged, water seepage is bound to occur. This can happen mainly for two reasons: either the roof shingles are broken, or the clogged gutters are causing an overflow of water. If you don’t get the roof fixed quickly, many things can go wrong, including mold growth and weakening of the structure’s integrity.
Precautionary Measures: You can take proactive steps to prevent leaks. If water has already trickled inside the roof, a professional water damage restoration company can help avert structural impairment.
- Schedule roof inspections to check for broken shingles, especially after heavy rains.
- Clean out your gutters to prevent water seepage into walls and roofs.
Malfunctioning Appliances
Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines wear out and rust over time. Pipe leakage causes electrical wire damage, tile breakage, and paint flaking.
Preventive Measures: All you need is regular maintenance of your appliances for water leakage prevention.
- Fix or replace broken machinery components.
- Get the appliances cleaned regularly.
- Ensure proper installation method.
Clogged Drains
It’s very common for drains to become blocked by grease and dirt. Unclean and clogged drains cause water damage and lead to health hazards.
Precautionary Measure: There are numerous preventive methods that you can adopt to keep your house free from water leaks.
- Pour boiled water down the drains; this melts away grease and other sticky substances.
- Use a filter that can catch drain-clogging elements.
HVAC System Troubles
The malfunctioning of your air conditioning system can cause your house to suffer from water damage. Obstructed AC or heater pipes can lead to flooding inside the home. Get water damage restoration done immediately, as there’s a risk of electrocution and further destruction of the structures.
Precautionary Measure: Certain ways to avoid HVAC-caused flooding include:
- Schedule appropriate maintenance for your ventilation system.
- Turn the air conditioning off during bad weather.
Sump Pump Failure
As you already know, basements are more prone to flooding, and the innovation of sump pumps helped alleviate that. However, if that pump fails to work due to power outages, it can cause big trouble, causing water pooling and the spread of bacteria and mold.
Preventive Methods: Avoid pump failure by ensuring:
- Backup power during heavy rains and storms.
- Cleaning and repairing the sump pump.
Does Your House Have a Flooding Situation? Call a Professional!
There may be various reasons for your house flooding; however, taking preventive actions, such as regular cleaning, can greatly minimize water damage.
You may ask next, “What if the damage has already been done?” Fear not! Professional companies can significantly mitigate the harm by prompt water damage restoration processes. Call Flood Restoration Pros now for a quick and efficient house recovery.
