Plumbing Problems
One of the most common and perhaps the most obvious cause of water damage is plumbing problems. First, there are the overflowing sinks, bathtubs and toilets which are often the result of children flushing toys or other objects or neglecting to turn off a faucet. Then there are the unexpected emergency plumbing problems like burst pipes and sewer backup. All of these can cause large amounts of water to quickly flood your home and cause an array of damage like carpet damage, mold growth and more. Lastly, there is the plumbing leak. Even a steady drip of water from your plumbing can eventually lead to water damage. It’s not uncommon to find such leaks at the base of the toilet, underneath sinks or around pipe joints. Over time, your fixtures can break down. Be sure to check them.
Leaky Appliances
Like a plumbing leak, leaking or malfunctioning appliances can also cause water damage. When you think about it, there are a lot of appliances that use water in your home. All it takes is for one of those water-loving appliances—like hot water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators—to leak and cause damage. In fact, anything that uses water or causes condensation—like an HVAC—is a potential cause of water damage in your home.
Severe Weather
Another major cause of water damage comes from Mother Nature. Severe weather like hurricanes and tropical storms are known for dumping huge amounts of precipitation which can quickly cause flooding that leads to water damage. However, even a heavy afternoon rainstorm can cause serious water damage. This is especially true if you have a leaky roof. You should also be wary of flash floods which can wreak havoc on your home. And when the weather drops below freezing, your pipe can also freeze and burst.
The Unexpected
There are even more causes of water damage which are strange but true. For example, tree roots can burrow into pipes causing major plumbing problems. Squirrels can enter your home and chew through PVC pipes causing flooding. And if you have an aquarium inside, all the water inside will quickly end up on your floor if it ever gets cracked or broken. Let’s face it: there are tons of ways that water can find its way into your home and cause damage.
Inaction
That’s right: inaction. The worst thing you can do to your home is to ignore a leak or to not act quickly in the case of flooding. The good news is that you can help prevent water from entering your home in the first place with routine leak inspections, proper maintenance of your plumbing and appliances and preparing for severe weather. Want even better news? You can prevent water damage even if water has already entered your home. The key is act quickly and follow the right steps to deal with your water situation. Learn about the different classes of water damage and find out when you can do the cleanup yourself and when you should call in the pros. For questions about the causes of water damage or if you ever need a professional cleanup, give us a call.