Water Damage Causes
Life is full of uncontrollable circumstances. As a result, things can happen that you have no time to prepare for that completely change your life. As a homeowner, one of the things that you probably worry about is the condition of your house. It is one of the biggest investments that can be made, and when things go wrong, it can hit you in the wallet very hard.
Many homeowners across the country have had to face one particular maintenance issue that can be costly…water damage. Water damage can occur wherever moisture collects in the home or near the foundation. It can completely ruin walls, cause rot, create an environment for mold to thrive, and even be an eyesore.
Water Damage Has Devastating Consequences
The effects of water damage can be costly and overwhelming. Much of the structure of your home consists of porous materials such as wood, drywall, concrete, stone, and brick. these building materials are susceptible to structural damage if they absorb water, compromising the integrity of the framework of your home. The longer the standing water is left untreated, the more damage occurs to the impacted materials.
Additionally, mold growth can cause poor air quality in the building, spreading harmful contaminants that can cause health issues for residents. Mold proliferation occurs in dark and damp areas, so unseen water damage could be filling the home with mold spores and bacteria growth.
Your possessions are also at risk from water damage in your home. Your furniture, carpet, and other items would be ruined if exposed to moisture.
Preventing water damage may not be completely achievable. There will always be things that you cannot control that lead to a leak or flood in your home. However, knowing about the most common causes of water damage could help you mitigate the effects.
Common Causes of Water Damage
With millions of homeowners across the country experiencing water damage in their homes at some level, there are a few patterns that have emerged as common reasons why water accumulates where it shouldn’t in the house.
Broken Washing Machines/Water Appliances
Appliances that use a high volume of water are a common culprit for water damage. Dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters, and other appliances draw from the water supply lines to perform their functions. If these machines break, have worn parts, or develop leaks, they can leave water spilling into areas of your home that you would rather stay dry. Other appliances like an air conditioner have water in them that can leak as well. Prevent faulty appliances from ruining your home with regular maintenance.
Burst Pipes
A common issue for homeowners, especially those living in colder climates, is burst pipes. When pipes burst, they can leak or spray water in hard-to-reach areas like the space between walls, floors, and in crawl spaces. This means that water damage could be hard to spot initially, making the issue even worse. In areas with cold winters, pipes can freeze over, which makes the water expand and put extra pressure on the piping. Leaking pipes can also be caused by excessive tree root growth or corroded water pipes.
Failing Sump Pump
A sump pump, or submersible pump, is usually located in the basement of homes in a specially dug pit. This piece of equipment helps pump the water out of the house that has been collected by drains and other pipes. It comes in handy in areas with heavy rain or frequent flooding. If the sump pump stops working, however, then water can quickly accumulate inside the house.
Clogged Gutters
Speaking of rain, having proper drainage throughout the property is crucial for dealing with rainfall. A critical piece of your drainage system is the gutter. When gutters clog, water can overflow and follow the path of least resistance. This excess water could end up even closer to your foundation or leak through the roof if standing water remains because of the clog.
Clogged Drains
Along that same line, drains that clog can lead to a backup of water. Make sure that your sinks, faucets, showers, and other drain lines are kept clear of debris so that all water leaves the home.
Sewage Backup
One of the worst causes of water damage is when a septic tank overflow occurs or the sewer lines get backed up. This can cause flooding on the bathroom floor or in the basement which is filled with toxic chemicals and contaminants. When the septic tank backs up, you may be in for a world of trouble.
Other Water Fixtures
Sinks, showers, toilets, and other water fixtures can also lead to water damage issues. A kitchen sink could develop a leak or toilet blocks can flood the bathroom.
Natural Disasters
You cannot control when a flood, earthquake, or other natural disaster happens that can cause water damage in your home. An earthquake could dislodge hose connections or create plumbing issues that will manifest in the future. A flood can fill the lower levels of the house quickly with water, mud, and other debris.
Solving Your Water Damage Problem
Unless the damage is minimal, then you should contact a Portland water damage restoration company to help remove the water and restore your property. Professional contractors have the equipment and expertise needed to prevent water damage from destroying your home and ruining your possessions. Contractors will use infrared technology to find all moisture, large pumps and air movers for water removal, and then remodel damaged structural elements for you. They understand that you need to act fast to prevent further property damage and keep your family safe.
When you are overwhelmed by the level of damage in the affected areas, seek out professional advice about what your next steps should be. It is better to pay a little more to have restoration services handle the project than try to do it yourself and do a poor job. Plus, your insurance policy may be enough to handle the cost of services, so contact your carrier to find out about your level of insurance coverage.
Whether you have suffered from broken pipes, a flooded water heater, adverse weather conditions, a faulty washing machine, or any other cause of water damage, don’t wait to respond. Preventing water damage completely may be impossible, but saving your property depends on a fast water damage restoration service.
