When water damage occurs inside the home, it can be extremely expensive to fix. Water damage can occur over a long period of time before it’s noticed and the water can pool in hidden areas. It’s important to take precautions against this type of damage with insurance and regular plumbing inspections. Although the majority of pipes are hidden in your home, there are some things to look out for. If you identify a water leak, it’s important to call out a
local professional plumber and get it fixed quickly. The leak will only get worse over time and cause more damage that will increase the repair bill. Here are four of the leading causes of water damage in the home.
- Leaking or Burst Pipes
A pipe that leaks or bursts is an extremely common cause of water damage. When a drain or toilet backs up, it can increase the water pressure in the pipe, and this can result in a leak or burst. Another common reason is a garbage disposal that isn’t working properly and trees roots the grow into and break sewer lines under the yard. When pipes age and become corroded, they are also far more prone to leaking, especially if they are put under pressure.
- Attics, Basements and Crawl Spaces
These areas are very prone to water damage because they are hidden and used to lay out electrical wiring and plumbing pipes. Also, these areas can quickly become damp, mold can grow, and structural damage can be caused. When moisture drips on concrete foundations, it can cause leaks in the basement. If air can leak into the areas between the attic and roof any moisture located there can cause rotting and mold. It’s a great idea to check your home regularly for these potential problems, and early identification can save you a lot of money in repair bills.
- Water Using Appliances
Water using household appliances are now a common fixture in our homes, and they are a great time saver. As these appliances age, their hoses and pipes can corrode and crack. This causes a weakness that can lead to water leaks that you may not detect for a while. Devices, such as water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines are all prone to these problems. Hot water tanks and washing machines are the most likely to fail earlier, and they are often a cause of domestic water damage. Check your appliances regularly and look out for any puddles of water that could be caused by a water leak.
- Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
The HVAC system in your home is a great way to secure your indoor comfort throughout the year, but it can also be a source of water damage. If the system is not well maintained, moisture can build up inside, and when it cools, it can cause problems. This water can interact with any mold that may be growing in the ducts and mold spores could be circulated throughout the home. This is often recognized as black patches of mold found growing around the vents or nearby. Experts recommend that an HVAC system is serviced at least once per year or at the start of each heating and cooling season.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
