When water gets into parts of your home that you don’t expect it to and definitely don’t want it to, panic can set in. After all, you know that this will be more than just a minor inconvenience. Best case scenario you are cleaning up an unexpected mess, worst case is severe damage, and everything in between is not that pretty either. Water damage can be a result of any number of scenarios, many of which can be prevented or at least prepared for. Here are 5 common causes of water damage in the home that you should be aware of.
Flooding due to plumbing issues is one of the most common causes of water damage that we come across. Some of the more common mishaps are clogged drains overflowing, old pipes cracking, faulty pipe connections in new and older homes, and valves malfunctioning. Many plumbing issues can be avoided with some standard maintenance, such as clearing clogged drains as soon as you notice water is having difficulty going down, while others occur in hidden areas, such as behind finished walls or in areas of the basement you don’t get to. It’s not until you see moisture seeping through the drywall or puddling on the floor that you realize there is an issue in these scenarios.
Drain issues can be caused by aging pipes, the material used, blockages from small particles that get flushed down your drains such as hair or grease, even plant life close to your pipes can cause issues as larger roots can intrude into the pipes clogging them up. Everyday water usage such as taking a shower or flushing the toilet will not be able to drain as expected, causing the excess water to eventually back up through the sewer line and flood your basement. A backwater valve can help protect your home from this happening.
Our frigid winter temperatures can play havoc with your pipes if you are not prepared. The below freezing temperatures will freeze the remaining water in the pipes leading to the exterior of your home. As the water freezes, it expands putting pressure on the pipes. Your pipes eventually give out and crack or even burst, this causes damage to walls, floors, ceilings, furniture and so much more if not caught in time. These issues can be prevented by turning off the valve leading the external hose bib, we also recommend keeping the hose bib open slightly to prevent any pressure build up. Occasionally we see internal home pipes burst in the same fashion, and this is normally due to the heat being turned off for extended periods of time or because there was an HVAC issue that wasn’t addressed. If you are planning on having the heat off for a prolonged amount of time in the winter, it is best to turn the main water valve off and let the water in your pipes drain out.
Melting snow and heavy rain can cause a lot of damage if the water gets into your home. Quite often the ground becomes over saturated with water in these scenarios and water gets into basements either through cracks in the foundation, around basement windows, or by even seeping through the foundation. Even though this is more common in older homes, it is possible to occur in newer homes depending on location and construction. It’s a good idea to inspect your basement regularly for any signs of water during heavy rain falls or when there is a lot of snow melting quickly. Having a functioning sump pump can help reduce the damage in these scenarios. It is good to test your sump pump annually to ensure it is working properly. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize their sump pump isn’t working properly until they need it.
Depending on your location, flooding may or may not be a common occurrence. Those located in lower areas of the city or closer to large bodies of water are more susceptible to the possibility of flood waters entering their home. With heavy rain and quick melting snow and ice build-up water levels rise quickly. With nowhere to go this water can easily end up in your home if you are in close proximity. The water damage caused by such a scenario can be vast, and very disruptive.
Any amount of water damage can lead to serious issues in your home. This includes the destruction of property, damage to walls, floors, and the structure of your home, as well as potential health complications from sewage water entering your home or from mold growth due to the excess moisture. Our Team at United Water Restorations are experienced in water damage restoration. Our removal process is simple and effective: stop the source of the water, remove the water, dry out the affected areas, treat the affected area with mold preventatives and restore any affected structure or damaged areas. Call us at 647-697-5212 to schedule a free in-home visual assessment or to get water and mold emergency assistance anytime 24/7.
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