Four Common Causes of Water Damage & How to Avoid It

Water damage is a common phenomenon and a problem that costs billions in repair every year. It is also a problem that is easy to avoid, but due to negligence and inferior building materials, water damage to property is a growing concern for residents. It not only causes monetary loss and contamination but also forces the displacement of residents.

But what causes water damage? When the water reaches where it is not supposed to be, it leads to leaky underground pipes, seepage in the walls, and structural deformity. The issue is so crucial that knowing why it happens in our daily lives and avoiding it becomes imperative.

With that said, the following are some of the most common causes of water damage and ways of avoiding them.

The common causes of water damage and ways to avoid it

The most common places in our house consistently at the brink of being affected by water damage are the kitchen, bathrooms, hot water tanks, faucets. The list is long, meaning water damage can practically happen anywhere there’s water.

Various professional services provide support for water damage and advice on how to avoid it. If your property is a victim of water damage, click here to learn more about the reasons and remedies to prevent more damage in the future. Below we have curated some of the common causes of water damage and how to avoid them.

Extreme weather

Extreme weather like floods and hurricanes are common causes of water damage. These natural disasters are merciless when wreaking havoc on property. If water finds its way through cracks and openings, you’re in trouble.

Torrential downpours are another reason for causing property damage, especially if there’s no proper water flow system. The clogged water becomes detrimental to the structure of the building because when there’s no outlet for moisture to escape, it causes mold and weakens wooden frames.

If you reside in a flood-prone locality, you must be mindful of taking proper measures to protect your property against water damage. In severe cases, you can use the flood protection alarm system to help prepare for the worst with time to spare if you have to evacuate.

Acting promptly to alarm systems helps avoid long-term damages to property and, you’re always ready to cover up the damage with flood insurance well before time.

Leakage in the kitchen sink and faucet

The kitchen is among the most utilized places in the house and prone to get damaged the most due to clogged water. The kitchen sink and faucet are the most susceptible to leakage due to worn-out gaskets and washers.

Additionally, due to mold and corrosion build-up, the rusty moving parts of the faucets start leaking with constant water dripping on the floor, which can ruin the flooring and damage food items.

To remedy this problem, make it a habit to inspect your house every once in a while. This way, you can isolate and fix the issue before it goes out of hand. You may find a crack in the pipe, or the gaskets in the kitchen might be getting loose, and being proactive can save you a lot of trouble.

Leaking pipes

Leaking pipes are another cause of water damage. Older buildings with outdated plumbing systems are especially prone to water damage and can worsen if the house has underground or behind the wall pipes. With clogged water, the damage spreads across the wall, and control gets more costly because the entire area needs to be repainted after repairing the pipes behind.

You can spot a water problem in the form of bulges, stains, and signs of moisture. You may also find the paint flaking off the wall wherever there’s moisture inside the wall.

This can quickly get out of hand; therefore, it is always appropriate to systematically call a plumber to deal with the issue. Additionally, when buying or constructing a house, always have a detailed blueprint of the house to know about the plumbing system.

This way, you can spot the nearest water pipe or a junction in case of leakage and have it fixed before the damage worsens.

Clogged gutters

Having gutters is a common and yet excellent way to keep the water running and prevent stagnation on the roof. However, when leaves or debris block the gutters, it prevents the regular flow of water. Hence, the rainwater does not find its way for proper flow.

Stagnant water or leaky pipes can cause fungus on the roof, or worse, the water will inundate and fall through the sides of the wall. The unsightly streaks of dirty water on the walls, not to mention the water damage caused to the walls and floor, are unbearable.

Therefore, make an effort to clear the gutter opening, especially during the rainy season, to allow continuous water flow.

Conclusion

Water damage is a leading cause of concern in areas prone to storms and floods. According to an estimate, water damage is a rising concern in the U.S, with repair bills getting higher due to storm season getting more and more severe every year.

A proactive approach and timely action can avoid water damage in most instances. It is always prudent to look out for any signs of water damage in the form of mold, find an expert who can guide you, and manage issues like soggy and stained walls to avoid costly repairs.