Water damage is so common that more than 40% of people get affected by it every year. It not only damages your house and personal belongings, but it also causes several health issues. However, the good thing is that 93% of the damages can be avoided with the right knowledge.
In case, your house is already affected by water damage, you can seek help from a professional water damage restoration company. They make use of specialised tools to clean, repair, and restore your property. That being said: now let’s take a look at the common sources of residential water damage.
- Damaged Pipes
If you have an older home, you should look out for stains, cracks, or bulges on your floors or ceiling. These could be signs of a leak. A sudden increase in your water bill is an indication that there is water damage in your home. You should check areas like attics, crawl spaces, and cabinets for leaks. If you find any, you should call a plumber right away. Additionally, you should check your pipes, especially in winter to make sure they are insulated.
- Clogged Drains
Drains in sinks and bathrooms can get clogged with debris, grease, or hair. These clogs can damage your pipes if you don’t fix them at the right time. For example, a clogged toilet can cause water to back up into your sink and damage your floors. To prevent this from happening, you should use small screens over your drains and pour boiling water down them once a month. This will help clear out debris and grease.
- Appliances
It is common for older appliances to have worn-out parts. For example: dishwashers, can leak and cause water damage to your kitchen floor. To avoid this from happening, you should clean your dishwasher regularly by using the correct solution. Besides the dishwasher, you should also keep a check on other appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, and others.
- Natural Disasters
Hurricanes and heavy snowstorms can cause floods. If your house gets hit by a natural disaster, it can lead to water damage. One effective way to protect your home is to install a flood alarm. This is especially important for people who live in a flood-prone zone. Additionally, you can install sump pumps or vents to help prevent flooding.
While these are the most common sources of residential water damage, some of them can be prevented. In case, that doesn’t work, you should at least take immediate steps to fix the damage.
