Buildings are affected by water damage on many different levels. Your floor may warp if water gets into places on your property that it shouldn’t. Beautifully painted walls can also be affected by water damage. Water damage can cause mold growth and vermin infestations. Even worse, water damage not addressed immediately could lead to a weakening of the foundation.
It is very expensive to repair water damage. Although you might believe that a few inches of water would not cause damage to your property or your business, there are cases in which even a small amount can result in significant financial losses.
Water damage can occur at any moment. Here are some common causes of water damage:
Severe Weather
Although thunderstorms and hurricanes are not common, they can happen at any time. However, water damage to your property will always occur.
Strong winds or heavy rain could cause roof damage, sending some water straight into your home. Even worse, flash flooding can occur when severe weather is occurring, particularly if your property lies in an area that is susceptible to floods.
Gutter Obstructions
Rainwater should be drawn away from your home by the gutters. Over time, leaves, branches and other debris can block gutters. Rainwater will not be able flow away properly from your home if it is blocked. Instead, the rainwater will overflow your gutters and run down your walls and ceilings.
Leaky Pipes
Leakage of water from the kitchen sink can cause damage to the cabinets below it if the fitting is not tight enough. Broken pipes inside walls can make matters even worse. A water leak could cause significant water damage to walls. The entire wall will be damaged and this can encourage the growth of a whole colony.
Even worse would be a leaky plumbing supply line, or drainage pipe under your concrete slab. You’re likely to have to pay for costly repairs if this happens.
Natural Disasters
Flooding can be caused by flooding from storms, snowstorms, or breaking dams. The land can not absorb large amounts of water and could cause flooding. Flood alarms and warning systems can protect you from natural disasters. Additional flood insurance is recommended for those who live near the coast. Flood-prone residents may build their homes on stilts in order to withstand flooding. Some people install sump pumps or foundation vents. A separate lawn grader can be installed. If you are going to be away for a long time, make sure that you have the correct location of your water main. You won’t be surprised when you return home.
Leakage in Washing Machines Water Supply Lines
Water supply lines under constant pressure feed your washing machine. You don’t have to be concerned if your water supply lines are made of braided stainless. Rubber or PVC supply lines can cause problems for washing machines. These lines can wear easily and burst, so if they don’t get shut off in the right time, your laundry room could be flooding in no matter how fast.
AC Condensation
Condensation is caused by your air conditioner. The moisture drips from its evaporator coil to a drain pan, and then out through a condensate drainage line. The drainage system is effective until either the drain pan becomes damaged or the condensate line gets clogged up with dirt or dust.
The water will not escape from the AC unit and it will leak into your house. The AC unit’s water can cause damage to your walls, floors and insulation.
Blocked Drains
There are many reasons why your drains can clog, including in the bathroom, kitchen, or bathtub. Drainpipe obstructions can be caused by hair, grease, oil, toiletries and dirt as well as toys and any other foreign objects. If not addressed immediately, blocked drains could cause flooding or water damage to your home.
System Malfunctions
A sprinkler system can save you and your family’s lives if it is activated in the event of a fire. There have been instances where sprinkler systems that were older have started to work even though there’s no fire alarm. You can see that water damage can result from a sprinkler system malfunctioning, or being accidentally activated, which can cause significant property damage, particularly if there are other electronic devices.
HVAC Units
Floods can be caused by flooding from your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These systems should be inspected regularly and cleaned. To avoid electrocution and damage to your central air conditioner, turn it off when you are aware of an approaching storm.
Sump Pump Problems
You could experience a flood in your basement if your sump pump fails to work. Then you will need to address mold growth, water extraction, and bacteria. Make sure your sump pump is always standing straight up to ensure it works well. Make sure the outlet pipe’s vent hole is open. The outlet pipes must be tightly connected and should drain out to a distance of at least 6 feet from you. Call a professional immediately if you see any water in the sump pump.
Structural Damage
Mold and rotting can be caused by moisture leaking through concrete or crawl spaces. These signs can be found in your home. Regular cleaning of your gutters and the care you take to maintain your trees will help prevent water damage to your foundation and walls. Flood protection devices such as alarms that sound when there is moisture can be installed. Check that your water pressure in the home isn’t too low. Pipes and hoses could fail if the water pressure is too high. To help keep the water pressure in check, you can put up a water pressure gauge. You can use a water pressure regulator to help in areas where water pressure is not controlled.
Leaking Water Heater
An old water heater is more likely to leak. This is true for water heaters that have been poorly installed or maintained. Too much pressure in the tank can sometimes cause a leak. You can expect to see water in your basement as soon as a hot water heater leaks.
It may seem difficult to prevent water damage, but it is possible. You can reduce water damage by addressing these causes. Talk to an expert today and get the help you need to protect the structural integrity of your home.
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