No words can describe the stress water damage causes. The truth is that not all situations are the same but all such calamities are extremely serious and call for immediate water damage restoration. When we are talking about water damage, we are not referring to a small puddle in the garage after a storm. Nor to a leaky faucet. But when excess water pools indoors creating severe property damage and oftentimes, threatening the very foundations of the structure or at the very least, resulting to the growth of mold. Neither is good news.
So, if a leaky faucet is not a real threat, which are the most common sources of home water damage? Let’s see.
Overflowing sinks, toilets and tubs
A leaking faucet might not cause a serious problem but an overflowing sink or sewage back up will. This can happen if the sewer system is clogged due to a heavy rainfall or by flushing too much toilet paper. The worst thing here is that the water is contaminated. Sewer back-ups and toilet overflows contain fecal matter. This is the most harmful water damage category since the contaminated water can cause serious illnesses.
Damaged plumbing pipes
Plumbing pipes may leak and cause some frustration or may burst and cause panic. Water damage occurs when the pipes break and can flood the floor of your home or basement in minutes, hands down. Why do pipes burst? When they are old and damaged and when they are installed outdoors and freeze during the winter. The best thing you can do is to have them checked once in a while or fixed if they start leaking. In the event of breakage, the best thing you can do is turn off the main water supply valve and if the place is already flooded, call a water damage service company.
Malfunctioning home appliances
Damage can be easily controlled when washing machines, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, HVACs, and water heaters leak but you need to act quickly. Better still, pay attention to older home appliances whose parts corrode, break or weaken over the years and therefore, might leak water. Although a water damage clean up might not be difficult when it occurred due to malfunctioning household appliances, there is always the possibility of mold buildup due to the increased moisture indoors. And that’s equally bad.
Roof problems
Roofs are subject to damage over the years and so are gutters and downspouts. A missing shingle will enable water to find its way into your home. A few cracks here and there will only get worse, also leading to leakages. Clogged gutters and downspouts will make rain water to overflow. Eventually, the foundations of the house might be destroyed. In the meanwhile, if the windows and doors are not caulked well, water might find its way in. And don’t forget about the beautiful ice formed on the roof during the winter. It will not only strain the gutters but prevent the melting snow to drain.
Heavy rainfalls & natural disasters
Heavy rainfalls can easily enter homes, especially if the structure is located at an angle fully exposed to the weather conditions and if the window frames are no good. Natural disasters happen too. Anything from a heavy rain to hurricanes will not only let water indoors but easily flood basements. This often happens when nearby lakes or rivers overflow during heavy rains.
The solution? Complete water damage restoration
The repercussions of water damage are catastrophic. Even after a water damage repair, there is a possibility of mold buildup or foundation issues. The best solution? Take precautions to avoid it in the first place. If it happens? Call a company for a complete restoration so that the water damage won’t secretly affect your life months later.
