05 Jan Notable Causes of Water Damage and Critical Steps to Take Right Away
Water has many benefits, from cooking to washing our clothes and bathing, but it’s not hard to see how beneficial they are to our everyday lives. Water can cause great damage to your home if it floods, which is unfortunately one of the most destructive forces in nature.
Water damage to residential properties is most commonly caused by a burst or leaking pipe. However, there are many other causes such as:
- Faulty plumbing
- Water heaters and other appliances that leak
- Drains clogged
- Natural disasters
- Roof leaks
It is crucial to act immediately if your home suffers from any of these problems. An experienced professional can save you money and avoid the heartache and stress that can come with extensive water damage.
A Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company will prioritize your safety and eliminate any restrictions placed by your insurance company.
How water intrusion affects a home
Unwanted water can flood your home.
- Roofs damaged
- Warped flooring
- Staining ceilings and walls
- Structural integrity has been compromised
- Peeling paint
- Musty and stale odors
- The growth of toxic mold
Hidden and unaddressed water damage over time can cause foundation weakness.
Most Common Causes of Water Loss
A small amount of water can cause great damage, even though it may seem like it. It only takes a few inches of water to cause severe damage that requires restoration and repair. No matter how severe the water damage to your home is, it’s important to fix the problem and dry any remaining wet materials. These are the most common ways that water can cause damage to your home and what you can do.
Faulty Plumbing & Leaks
Water damage to your home is most likely due to leaking, broken, or burst pipes. An unexpected pipe break can flood your entire house.
However, other smaller pipe leaks can often go unnoticed or untreated before damage is done. A professional Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company is available to help you if there’s an unexpected water damage.
Pipe leaks are more than just a waste of water. Pipe leaks can cause structural damage to a home and encourage undesirable organic growth, such as mold. Many homeowners are unaware that a lot of the home’s plumbing is hidden from view, so they don’t realize a leak is developing.
How is it possible for a single pipe to leak and cause so many problems? Here are some common ways it happens.
- Broken seals As appliances age, the water connectors around home appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines wear down or break down. A leak is indicated by condensation and puddles around the appliance.
- Blockages in pipes: More dangerous than blocked drains, blockages in pipelines can cause overflowing, leaky and burst pipes.
- The common problem with plumbing systems is corrosion. It eats away at pipes. Discoloration and warping are usually the first signs of a problem. However, by then the damage is done as corrosion tends not to occur from the inside.
- Broken pipe joints: Pipe connections make up the weakest point in a plumbing system. Pipe joints can become corroded and eventually leak. Pipe joints can deteriorate and cause a pipe leak.
- Excessive pressure: While high water pressure can make water flow faster from faucets, it can also cause a lot more strain on pipes.
- Tree root intrusion There are some destructive pipe leaks that can occur outside your home. Leakage can be caused by tree roots that invade exterior pipes. This can cause water to seep into your yard and under your home’s foundation.
- Loose-water connectors: Washing machines hoses can often leak due to spin cycle shaking. Leakages in connectors are easy to spot. You’ll probably notice water forming around the appliance and running out of the supply line.
- Short cold spells in winter can lead to pipes expanding and contracting, which can then cause cracking or leaking.
Leakage can also be caused by damage to pipes during home improvements or poor water quality.
A broken or leaky pipe can cause flooding in your home. Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company provides 24/7 emergency services. The sooner you begin water remediation activities like drying, cleaning, and repairing, then the more damage restoration can be done.
Leaking Appliances
Water can flood your home and cause damage to your appliances and HVAC systems. The extent of damage to appliances depends on the time and the parts that were submerged. Faulty water heaters are the most common cause of flooding.
Water from a leaking toilet could contain sewage. Water leaks from other appliances may harbor mold. Water damage restoration and remediation often make it more economical to replace damaged appliances due to the high cost of labor and parts involved in their repair.
A homeowner should not attempt to dry their appliances after a flood. This can lead to a short-circuit or worse, severe shock and potentially life-threatening injuries. It is best to have a qualified expert examine the situation.
Blockage of Drains
Clogged drains can lead to more than just plumbing leaks.
- The unpleasant odors are caused by food, hair and other waste. These backed up items contain bacteria that causes the smell.
- Water contamination is caused by clogged drains due to waste buildup.
- The pests such as mosquitos, cockroaches and fruit flies, love stagnant waters.
- Clogged drains can cause health problems, including mold allergies and intestinal issues.
- Water that is pushed backwards in a pipe could cause structural damage to your home’s foundation.
Roof Leaks
A leaky roof can cause structural damage, mold and mildew, regardless of whether it’s caused by severe storms, neglect, negligence, or someone walking on the roof. Also, leaky roofs can cause:
- Ceilings and attics damaged by water
- Insulation damage
- Drywall that is damaged
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Fire hazards
Water damage can cause irreparable damage to your home and reduce its value. Water damage from a roof leak can cause serious water damage to your home. It is important that the roof leak be repaired and remedied as soon as possible.
How to spot water damage in your home
Here are some things to watch out for if you worry that your home has been damaged by water intrusion.
Other than the home:
- You should check for pooling near the foundation of your house. This could indicate that water is seeping into your crawlspace or under your foundation.
- Check the gutters and downspouts which drain water from your home to make sure they are free of damage or holes and securely attached to your home.
- Are you seeing missing, cracked, or broken roof shingles? Leakage in the attic can cause ceiling damage.
- All exterior doors and windows should be inspected. Is there any separation between the frames? There might be “soft spots” in your windows that indicate a leak.
These are the most common signs of water damage in your home:
- A possible piping leak could be indicated by water rings on ceilings and walls.
- You may notice soft or sagging areas as you walk on the floor, especially near toilets and showers, bathtubs, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters, and washers. These appliances may cause cracks or warping to the floors.
- Check for carpeting stains in the corners of rooms and areas that are frequently used.
- You should inspect the sink cabinets for water spots, stains and warping. These are all signs that your pipes may be leaking. You may also notice new and more extensive mold growth.
- You should inspect the water heater and surrounding area. It could indicate a leaky pipe or a previous leak. Are there water spots on your floor? These could be signs of a slow leak, which can cause future water damage.
- Trust your senses! Mold can be detected by your nose. Long Beach Mold Remediation Companies are able to quickly and efficiently resolve the problem.
The crawlspace, walk-out basement and attic are three areas of your home that are most susceptible to water damage.
A roof that is older and less well maintained is more susceptible to water damage than one that has been regularly maintained. Check the areas surrounding chimneys, roof vents, and the junction of the roof and walls for signs of water damage. To ensure that the floor insulation is dry and mold-free, it should be inspected.
Newer homes don’t have basements as often as older ones. Some homes have crawlspaces or walk-out basements. These are two common areas where water can enter a house to cause damage.
Mold growth is the greatest risk in a crawlspace that has not been sealed. Protecting your home with a professional inspection is a smart investment.