24/7 Emergency Service(941) 260-2721

At Your Property Quickly1-Hour Response Time

Common Flood Damage Causes

April 13, 2019

Homes Flood for Many Reasons

Aside from severe weather, there are other causes of flood damage. The very first step you should take is obtaining flood insurance coverage prior to your need for it.

One common cause of flood damage is a leaky water heater. These are commonly housed in a garage or closet. Be sure to keep the heater in an accessible area where it can be periodically checked for leaks. You can also place a shallow pan underneath the water heater; this will collect water in the event of a leak and curb flood damage if the water heater should burst.

An easy way to prevent flood damage is by watering your yard responsibly. Keep sprinklers, hoses, and fountains in an area that water will not run against outside walls. You should maintain your gutters by inspecting and cleaning them on a regular basis to avoid overflowing and water flooding into your home.

Take good care of your roof. At least twice a year, you should check for any needed repairs. Spring and fall are the best times for this, as weather is often milder. You should also inspect your roof after major storms and repair any damage. A leaky roof can lead to a costly repair; if left unchecked, there is great potential for flooding after a hurricane or similar weather.

Be sure to check your pipes periodically; if a leak is found, repair it or contact a plumber to have it inspected and replaced if necessary. Maintaining your pipes will be cheaper than replacing your plumbing and cleaning up the damage from a flood after a pipe has leaked excessively or burst.

Within the home, there are several potential causes of flood damage. Inspect each of these areas regularly and make any needed repairs if you find a leak or signs of excessive wear.

  • In the kitchen, you should check dishwasher hoses for signs of leaking or damage. Be sure the hoses are connected properly and tighten them if necessary.
  • Check the connections on your ice maker or water dispenser, if your refrigerator has either of these features.
  • Periodically inspect and clean drains; a clog can cause your sink to back up and cause flooding.
  • Monitor your kitchen faucet to ensure it is not leaking. In addition to raising your water bill needlessly, a dripping or flowing faucet will can cause your sink to overflow and damage cabinets and other appliances.
  • In the bathroom, inspect the sink, shower and bathtub plumbing on a regular basis to be sure there are no leaks.
  • Periodically check toilets to be sure the tank is not overfilling. If there are any clogs, manage them immediately to avoid creating a larger problem.
  • Never leave a faucet running. Should the sink or bathtub overflow, the bathroom will flood and can damage your floor, walls or cabinetry.
  • In the laundry room, maintain your washing machine. Be sure all hoses are connected properly and in good repair.

You should also inspect your sewer and septic systems on a regular basis. If any of these should back up and cause a flood, you run the risk of health hazards as well as damage that will need to repair. In this case, consult a professional for advice on how to clean up the area and which repairs are necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions


Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. Check your policy details for specific coverage.

Yes, a broken water heater can lead to a high electric bill. If it's not heating water efficiently, a broken water heater may consume more energy and increase your utility bill.

Yes, if you have a broken water heater, it can potentially lead to carbon monoxide leaks. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, call us for an emergency response.

How can carbon monoxide come from a water heater?

While minor leaks can be fixed with DIY methods, it's advisable to consult a professional restoration company, like Accutech Restoration & Remodeling, for significant damage to ensure proper repair and prevent future issues.

Yes, mold can grow under tiles if there is constant moisture or water damage.

Yes, water can seep through grout lines if they are cracked or improperly sealed. You may contact us for help with water leaks and bathroom floor water damage.

Yes, we can remove mold from carpets affected by water damage. We use specialized cleaning techniques to prevent health risks.

Homeowners' insurance typically covers water damage caused by a water heater leak or broken water heater, but it may not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the heater itself. You may contact us for help navigating your insurance claim.

We recommend clearing the area around the damaged drywall to give our technicians easy access.

Preventing flood damage involves proactive measures such as maintaining gutters, ensuring proper drainage around your property, and considering flood-resistant building materials. Accutech Restoration & Remodeling offers tips and resources to help you safeguard your home against future flooding incidents.

To prevent floor warping from water damage, quickly clean up any spills or leaks to avoid prolonged exposure to moisture. You can use mats or rugs in high-moisture areas to keep them dry.

Remove any affected tiles and clean the area thoroughly with a mold-specific cleaner.

Follow Our Socials

Join our community for maintenance and DIY tips and tricks, where we help homeowners and business owners like you learn preventative maintenance and be better prepared for disasters.

Related Blogs