Water damage is one of the most expensive problems a homeowner can face. As little as two inches of water can do thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home. But with the proper maintenance and precautions, many scenarios that lead to water damage can be prevented.

From a burst pipe to flooding from a storm to common plumbing issues, the potential causes of water damage are endless. But knowing the most common causes gives you a chance to prepare and prevent some or maybe even all water damage. 

Weather

Weather is one of those things you may not be able to do much about, depending on the situation. In a regular bout of summer thunderstorms, ensuring your home has proper water runoff is essential to preventing water damage to your roof. You can limit the damage caused by a hurricane by boarding windows and putting down sandbags. 

AC Unit

Your air conditioner can cause water damage in a few different ways. Condensation from the coil drips into a pan and off your property via a drip line. But if this drainage system becomes damaged or clogged with dust and dirt, the pan can overflow and damage floors and walls. Regularly maintaining your AC unit and changing your filter are essential to avoiding water damage.

Clogged Gutters

An easy way to prevent one of the leading causes of water damage to your roof is to ensure your gutters aren’t clogged. If your water runoff system is clogged, water will collect on the roof. Eventually, it will run down the sides of the house, potentially ruining the roof and the ceiling, walls, and even the floor. Removing debris from your gutters a couple of times a year is usually all it takes to prevent that sort of damage.

Appliances

Several household appliances connect to water lines within your home. Your dishwasher, washing machine, fridge/freezer, and water heater are all examples. If any of these appliances malfunction or the lines become weak or damaged, you risk water damage. Preventative actions could be checking lines regularly to look for small leaks before they become big ones and calling a professional to fix those leaks immediately.

Blocked Drains

Sink and shower drains are quick to get backed up whether you’re in the kitchen or the bathroom. Everything from grease, dirt, hair, and chunks of food can get caught and build up to blocking the drain line over time. You may not notice the gradual buildup to a blocked drain, but snaking the drain or using drain cleaning chemicals are quick solutions to a clog. You may be able to prevent your drains from getting clogged by pouring boiling water down them at least once a month. 

Leaking Pipes

Damaged pipes are a significant cause of water damage, especially in older homes. It would help if you inspected your pipes for cracks, bulges, and stains, which could all be signs of wear that could lead to burst pipes or leaks. You may also see signs of moisture in your ceilings or floors or decreased water pressure if you don’t directly spot a leak itself. Some pipes in certain areas are more likely to collect water than others, such as those in attics, cabinets, or crawl spaces. If you live somewhere where cold temperatures are a concern, be aware that ice can cause pipes to burst, which may leave your home drenched.

Do You Have Water Damage in Your Home?

Getting your home back in like-new conditions can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Excel Restoration can make you forget the water damage ever existed. If your home has already suffered from one of these common causes of water damage, then you might be wondering what to do next.

Our teams are ready 24/7 to help you get your life back. Whether it’s your home or place of business that’s being affected, we’re here to help. We will work with your insurance to help you cover costs whenever possible. One of our restoration professionals will reach out to you within an hour of contacting us, so contact today for a free quote.