Water damage is one of the most common causes of structural damages in homes. It can cause mold and mildew to form, which leads to health problems. Water damage also reduces the value of your home and can cause the loss of important documents and sentimental items. Knowing common causes of water damage can help you avoid this problem in your home.
Common Causes of Water Damage
Broken Pipes
Broken pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage. This is a problem that can happen in your home at any time and cause major problems to you and your family if not dealt with quickly. If you notice there has been no water pressure for some time, this could be an indication that something is wrong with one or more pipes under your home. You should get help from a professional plumber right away to prevent a small issue from escalating into a catastrophe.
Faulty Appliances
Old appliances are another frequent source of leaks due to broken parts or rusting components inside them. When old appliances begin deteriorating it’s important to replace them before they leak and lead to costly repairs or even lease replacements! Also, never overload these appliances as this will shorten the life of the appliance and increase the likelihood of leaks.
Condensation
Condensation can also be a cause of water damage in your home, especially if you have recently had central air conditioning installed or are heating up your house with an electric space heater. Be sure to ventilate properly by keeping doors open between rooms when the heat comes on so that moisture is released outside instead of letting it build up inside where it could lead to mold growth.
Water Heaters
Leaks from old water heaters are also common causes of water damage in homes as they age over time. If there’s been no running hot water at all lately then this could indicate problems with either your sinks or most likely, your hot-water heater. If your water heater has been over ten years old then it’s definitely time to replace it.
Hot water heaters last between ten and fifteen years. If yours is over that age then it’s likely to spring a leak at any time, especially if you’ve been having problems with your hot water lately. Other problems with hot water heaters include rusting, faulty wiring, and corroded heating elements.
Outdoor Water Sources
Outdoor sources of water such as sprinkler systems can also be causes for concern in the form of leaking. When these systems are not maintained they often begin to break down or rust, which leads to leaks and costly repairs later on so getting help from an irrigation specialist when issues arise is always recommended. Also, be sure to check around outdoor faucets regularly because these too can develop leaks to corrosion under them over time.
Tree Roots
Another common cause of water damage is tree roots. Tree roots often find their way into sewer lines and can block them or create puddles that lead to leaks around your home’s foundation which will ultimately rot the wood in your walls, causing cracks in drywall & plaster and rotting floor joists! This problem can become very costly to repair so it’s important to be proactive and have a licensed plumber come out right away to prevent the problem from worsening.
Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are also responsible for leaks in many homes. This is because they may not be installed properly underneath the home’s foundation or can become defective over time. Therefore, it is prudent to checks your sump pumps regularly to ensure that they are working properly, especially after heavy rains or flooding.
Severe Weather
Severe weather is another cause of water damage in homes, especially those that are not equipped with proper drainage systems. If you live in a region that is frequently effected by flooding or hurricanes, it’s important to make sure the grading around your home is well maintained and will prevent water from pooling against walls.
Leaking HVAC Systems
Another common source of leaks in homes is from the HVAC system. Leaks can occur whenever a unit’s condensate pan begins to overflow and leak into your walls or attic, often due to lack of maintenance. Therefore, it’s important that you have these units serviced regularly by a licensed professional. Also, ensure that the evaporator coil in your unit is clean so it does not collect mold or bacteria.
Humidifiers
Although humidifiers are used to add moisture into dry air, they can also be one of the causes of water damage if not maintained properly. Be sure to use distilled or demineralized water when filling these units and replace the water every day to avoid growing mold and bacteria. If you must use tap water, make sure it is distilled or filtered first in order to reduce mineral deposits on humidifier parts that can contribute to leaks.
Blocked Drains
Blocked drains from hair, soap scum, and other materials can also be a cause of water damage. For this reason, it’s important to have these drains unclogged on a regular basis to prevent leaks and water damage from occurring.
A blocked drain can cause severe mold growth in your home, which not only looks terrible but also creates an unhealthy environment for you & your family’s respiratory systems! For this reason, it is important that you have these problems addressed immediately by a licensed plumber.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters can be another source of water damage. If you notice that your gutter is overflowing and causing excess moisture on the exterior of your home, this problem should be addressed as soon as possible because it will often lead to mold growth and rotting wood around the foundation.
These are the common causes of water damage in homes. If you want to avoid these problems, be sure to regularly check around your home’s foundation and exterior for leaks or excess moisture. Work with a professional at all times to help you avoid these issues and ensure your home is water damage-free.