A few very common causes of home water damage account for most cases. Instead of an exceptional, one-of-a-kind event, the overwhelming majority are something an experienced water damage recovery specialist deals with on a daily basis. Unless you live in a high-risk zone for flooding, most home water damage originates inside the house itself. Here are four common causes of home water damage and how to make them less common:
- Ruptured water pipes: Pay attention to warning signs of deteriorating water supply lines including seemingly insignificant pinhole leaks or seepage around pipe joints. These may mask internal corrosion that could trigger a major pipe rupture, flooding the home. Take action to repair faulty plumbing before it becomes a bigger problem. Also, take measures to prevent frozen pipes in winter by installing pipe insulation on any spans that are exposed to frigid temperatures.
- Overflowing or leaky fixtures: A clogged toilet can quickly flood an upstairs bathroom and send water cascading through the downstairs ceiling. Know how to turn off the water supply to each toilet at the valve on the wall and test annually to make sure it turns freely. Rubber supply hoses that feed hot and cold water to the washing machine grow brittle and rupture over time. Replace them with more durable braided steel stainless lines now, before it happens.
- Sewer clogs: Until raw sewage backs up into your house, your underground sewer line may give few signs that it's gradually becoming obstructed by tree roots, sludge accumulation or deterioration. An inspection by a qualified plumber every three to five years is the only way to ensure that sewage flows freely through the pipe.
- Chronic dampness: You don't need a dramatic pipe rupture to suffer water damage. Ongoing moisture sources like a perpetually damp crawl space or basement, or a frequently wet attic due to a leaky roof, can cause severe structural damage and trigger toxic mold growth. Inspect these seldom-visited areas of the home regularly and take steps to resolve moisture issues.
Ask the professionals at Rytech, Inc. about more ways to address the most common causes of home water damage.
