Common Causes of Water Damage

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

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Life isn't possible without water, but for all of its life-giving benefits, water can also be very destructive force of nature. Several different circumstances can can be the cause for unwanted water in your home or business. From leaky pipes to faulty appliances, it is very important to recognize the potential water damage causes. According to the Insurance Information Institute each year, about one in 50 homeowners will file a water damage or freezing claim. This accounts for almost 24% of homeowners claims. 

Common Causes of Water Damage

Leaking/Burst Pipes 

Broken pipes are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes, and nearly every homeowner will experience a pipe burst or leak at some point. This can be caused by unregulated water pressure, temperature changes or general deterioration of old pipes. Uninsulated pipes can freeze in the winter, causing pipes to burst. 

How to Avoid Burst Pipes

• Let your faucet drip.
• Direct warm air to cold areas of your home.
• Leave cabinet doors open.
• Disconnect your hose from the outside faucet.
• Make sure pipes are insulated. 
• Seal leaks that allow cold air in.
• Keep interior doors open.
• Keep the garage door closed. 
• Watch the thermostat 
• Disconnect/Shut off water if you are going out of town. 

Faulty Household Appliances

No one could argue the great benefits we get from our appliances. Appliances make things easier and more comfortable for us. Though we rely so much upon them, they can also cause havoc to our home. When appliances become faulty, serious water damage can occur. We recommend regularly checking anything that has a water source running to it. 

• Dishwasher
• Washing Machine
• Refrigerator 
• Hot Water Heater

Plumbing Issues 

Bathroom sinks and drains can clog easily with dirt, grease, hair and other substances. Pipes break down, and structural damage is common. If clogs are not taken care of properly, health effects could occur. Clogged drains may cause damage to other areas of your home. Plumbing leaks can cause major damage to your home. A small leak hidden in the wall can slowly undermine your home or the years and promote mold and mildew growth. A large leak, on the other hand, can flood the home, destroy furniture, appliances, your most valuable belongings, and make your home temporarily uninhabitable. 

Toilet Overflows 

Toilet overflow is something that no one wants to think about, but when it happens it's far more than a slight inconvenience. Especially if the affected area is on an upper floor or filled with contaminated water. Contaminated water can be dangerous for you and your family's health. Even short-term exposure to the pathogens can cause health effects. Call a trusted professional that has the training and expertise to safely navigate the restoration process. 

Clogged Gutters 

As you tackle your spring or fall cleaning chores, be sure to add gutter cleaning to your list. This is an excellent way stay ahead of potential problems that may arise if they are clogged. Not thoroughly cleaning your gutters can cause:

• Roof Leaks
• Damage to Siding 
• Gutter Damage 
• Landscape Damage 
• Foundation Damage 

HVAC Units

Your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system can cause extensive water damage if it is not maintained correctly. Common causes or HVAC water damage include:

• Clogged Drain
• Frozen Evaporator Coils 
• Pipes That Are Not Connected Correctly
• Dirty Condensate Pump
• Cracked Drain Pan 
• Low Refrigerant 
• Condensation Buildup Within Ductwork
• Not Changing Filters Regularly

Check your HVAC system regularly to detect early signs of a leak. If you see water pooling on the floor, you know that you have a leak or clog. Follow a regular maintenance schedule to reduce your overall energy costs by 5 to 10%. 

Sewage Backups

When sewer lines become obstructed, preventing wastewater from flowing through drainage pipes, blockage occurs. This "blackwater" is considered hazardous, as it contains contaminants and viruses that can present a risk of severe illness if exposed to humans or animals. Sewage backup should be addressed immediately. Knowing what causes sewer backups can help you prevent a stressful and hazardous situation in your home. 

Causes for a Sewer Backup

• Clogs

Sewage can back up into your home when either your home's drain pipes or main sewer line becomes clogged. 

• Tree Roots

Trees can grow long roots that intertwine with your sewer line. Roots can grow into a pipe and cause holes or crush the sewer line by growing around it. 

• Damaged Sewer Lines 

Old pipes were made out of cast iron and clay piping which doesn't last long. Aging sewage systems can break down and crack, causing backups and flooded basements. 

• Heavy Rainfall

Heavy rainfall can cause sewer backups. Large amounts of rain can overwhelm your city's sewer lines. If the public sewer cannot handle excess rainfall, the water can make its way into connected sewer lines. This can put your home at risk for backflows. 

How to Prevent a Sewage Backup 

• Don't pour grease down the drain
• Dispose of paper products properly
• Install a new plastic pipe or cut tree roots
• Install a backwater prevention valve. 
• Sewage pump maintenance 

Call a professional restoration company to handle sewage backup. 

Tips to Mitigate the Damage Before the Restoration Team Arrives

• Evacuate the flooded area. Sewage contaminates are hazardous to both humans and animals.
• Turn off electrical power in the flooded area. 
• Do not go near electrical devices.
• Wear protective clothing. 
• Shut off the valve to the main water line in your home.
• Notify your insurance company.
• Notify your sewer department. 
• Do not use the water in your home until the problem is fixed. 
• Open windows or doors to let fresh air flow and ventilate the area. 

Always remember water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. 

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be a active member of the Spencer community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.