No one wants to see water damage in their home. It rots wood, gives mold a place to grow, and ruins carpet in basements. The ability to spot the causes of water damage in your home can help you prevent it and eliminate it completely. Stop it before it damages your home and forces you to call a company the specializes in water damage or flood repair services. Find out what causes water damage in your home below.
Blocked Toilet
A blocked toilet is an awful situation for many reasons; all of them are gross. Blockages in the plumbing from excess solid materials and paper will cause an overflow, and this results in water on your bathroom floor. Cleaning the contaminated water quickly and thoroughly is important to prevent potential illnesses and damage.
Sewage/Septic Backup
If you have a septic tank, you need to address this problem immediately. A septic tank can back up for various reasons, such as excessive rains or its full. The sewage will back up into your home through the toilets or floor drains. The same organic material that comes out of your toilet will come from the septic tank, so clean it up fast.
Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are the most common cause of water damage in a home. When temperatures drop and the home doesn’t have adequate heat, the water in the pipes will freeze. The ice will expand and the pipe will burst. Old, rusty pipes are more prone to bursting, so if you have an older home, check the condition of the pipes to prevent a disaster.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters obstructed by leaves and sticks will not let water drain properly. Blockages in the downspout, in particular, won’t carry the water away from the house. It pools up in the gutter and eventually goes over the side, down the house, and around the foundation. Once down there, it will find a way into your basement if you have one. Keep your gutters clear of debris to avoid this issue altogether.
Old Appliances
Washing machines and hot water heaters are the two main culprits when it comes to water damage from appliances. Water will leak from poor hose connections, rotting hoses, or cracked pipes. The water will slowly run down the hose and onto the floor, which will cause it to rot and mold to grow. Check your connections twice a year to make sure they remain strong.
Leaky Plumbing
Plumbing issues can be hard to detect because drywall often covers the pipes. Connections under a sink or running through an unfinished basement are easier to see. If any rust forms on a water pipe, there’s a good chance it will leak. Check the seals around your bathtub, sinks, and toilets for water damage created by such leaks.
