02 Jan Notable Places You’ll Discover Water Damage Outside of the Bathroom and Kitchen
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most vulnerable areas for water damage. Property damage and residential flooding can also be caused by leaks in HVAC systems as well as water heaters, pipes, and roofs. Water leaks, hidden or not, can cause damage to your house and lead to high water bills.
Water Leaks from HVAC Systems
A handful of homeowners become worried when their AC units leak. Water damage can occur when air conditioning units leak a little.
The following are the most common causes for air conditioner leaks:
- A dirty, air filter can block airflow and cause a frozen evaporator. Your condensate pan will be able to hold more water as the evaporator turns to ice.
- Evaporator coils can freeze if there is not enough refrigerant. An indicator that your AC unit may be low in refrigerant is the presence of ice on indoor equipment, and the line connecting it to your home. You should have refrigerant leaks fixed by an HVAC contractor licensed in your area.
- A disconnected, clogged condensate pump could cause the drip pan to leak water.
- A broken condensation pump, which, like a clogged PVC tube, causes the drippan to overflow.
The AC system doesn’t normally produce enough water to cause significant damage. But, an HVAC leak could cause water damage in if one of the conditions is met.
- Mold & mildew – The heat and humidity around your AC components can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew growth. Depending on the size of the leak, it could be a major mold problem. This is often true within 24 to 48 hour of the leak happening.
- Sheetrock, insulation damage– Sheetrock’s delicate nature makes it difficult to keep dry. Sheetrock can be severely damaged by water from an AC leaking in a short amount of time.
- Electrical complications – A leak on an AC’s electrical parts could cause a short circuit and damage the entire system. You should call an electrician if this happens before you attempt AC repair.
Water Leaks
Even the tiniest water leak can cause serious damage to your property. Water is a strong force. Therefore, even the smallest leak can cause flooding, structural damage, or both. Repairs can cost thousands.
Some examples of water damage that can result from a pipe leak include:
- A pipe that bursts and leaks during the night, causing chaos in your home.
- Wall leaks, which are often hidden, can cause some of most costly damage. Some wall leaks may not be discovered for months. The leak can cause wood and insulation to deteriorate over time.
- Water from piping can leak into your home’s foundation, around windows and doors, and through the pipes. It is also important to consider landscaping. Misdirected Sprinklers are a common cause of foundation and crawlspace damage.
The potential for water damage from a leaky pipe should make homeowners aware of any signs. If you do find a leak, don’t ignore it . This could lead to costly repairs.
Your water heater has overflowed your home.
An assortment of homeowners don’t know that a leaking water heater can also cause major damage. Most water heaters last for years without leaking. Unfortunately, they are known to leak at the most inconvenient times, causing massive flooding.
A water heater has a lifespan of about ten to twelve years. You should check your water heater every so often for signs and symptoms of a potential leak. This will help you avoid costly repairs and water damage. It’s worth considering replacing your water heater instead of fixing it. You will pay more to replace damaged floors and furniture or to repair drywall, but the expense of replacing it is often greater than the cost for installing a brand new unit.
It might seem that the water heater is working perfectly at first. However, it will likely suffer from more damage than it would have before floodwater. This could make it a dangerous hazard and cause an explosion or fire. Our experience shows that because floodwater can cause so many issues with appliances, it is generally cheaper and more reliable to replace damaged equipment.
WARNING Water/electricity are dangerous combinations. Your home’s water heater could be partially submerged, and water near electrical appliances, wall sockets or other electrical devices can lead to an electrical shock. In such cases, it is best to have a professional handle the matter.
Roof Leaks The Dangerous Dangers
Be careful, a tiny roof leak could cause serious water damage in your home. Untreated wood can’t withstand constant water damage and will weaken over time. The water that falls into your attic’s insulation will eventually seep down into the ceiling and cause darkening, bowing and even collapse. Your home’s foundation can be damaged if water makes it way down the wall.