Most homeowners believe that home water damage is only a reserve of those living near large water bodies or below sea level, but this doesn’t always have to be the case. You have to understand that close to 40% of homeowners in the United States suffer losses occasioned by water damage. Some of the common problems are caused by water heaters, broken washers, and faulty plumbing.
You should know that the drip from a leaky appliance has a way of doing the destruction and end up going unnoticed. It’s only until the damage gets out of hand that the homeowners will begin to see the signs. To prevent this from happening, you need to learn the common causes to have a better idea of how to manage the issue before it becomes catastrophic.
Here are a few to keep in mind.
Broken Pipes
If you don’t take steps to watch out for the causes of broken water pipes, you can end up with serious water floods. Given that water runs through your pipes from different sources, your home can end up flooding within a short time. The common causes of broken pipes include; damage from projects around your home, loose fittings, poor water quality leading to corrosion, and freezing temperatures.
To reduce the risks of water damage from broken pipes, you should locate the pipes in your yard and walls before beginning any project. You may also want to consider placing insulated freeze caps on your outside faucets and spigots. In case you experience a broken pipe due to freezing, make sure that you cut off your water supply and immediately get in touch with a water damage remediation professional.
Faulty Appliances
A broken or improperly connected washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater can cause significant home flooding. An effective water heater should regularly fill itself and provide you with warm water when washing dishes or taking a shower. If you don’t conduct routine maintenance, it could end up developing leaks that may ultimately result in a disaster.
It’s always advisable that you conduct yearly routine maintenance. This will help you spot any potential problems and have your appliances replaced or repaired.
Your Home Foundation is Damaged
A damaged foundation, resulting from cracking or flaws, can cause water to enter your home through your floor. You need to understand that your house foundation rests on the ground, which means that it is bound to get oversaturated with snow, melted ice, water storms, among other precipitations.
That said, if you have a solid foundation, you can hardly get affected by flooding, but you will experience severe flooding if you have a damaged foundation. An important step you can take to mitigate this flood issue is undertaking foundation repairs.
A Clogged Gutter
The main role of gutters is to direct water away from a house. However, if debris builds up, especially during winter, they can ultimately cause clogs that could make your gutter overflow. If you have more water flowing outside instead of inside your gutter, it could pool around your foundation, which can be a source of serious flooding.
To ensure optimal performance and reduce flood damage, make sure that you regularly clean your gutters.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of sources that can contribute to your home flooding concerns. The best thing is that there are different preventative measures you can take to ensure that floods don’t occur in the first place. The few causes of home flooding highlighted in this guide should act as a first step to mitigate home floods before they turn problematic.
If your water damage issue gets out of hand, you should seek the services of an experienced water extraction expert.
