Every new homeowner may not take water damage seriously. They might think it’s just water that will not do anything devastating and can easily get dried for a few hours. However, it’s not as simple as it looks. Unless you experience water damage firsthand, you’ll never know how much trouble it can cause. But you don’t have to wait for water damage to see how destructive it can be.
It’s better to avoid it in the first place to preserve your belongings and your treasured home. Knowing the causes of water damage is the first step to preventing it, so let’s discuss its common culprits to watch out for.
What Causes Water Damage in Homes
Most water damage is preventable with the right knowledge, and knowing what causes something helps you be proactive in taking preventive measures. Below are five reasons Florida homeowners experience water damage:
1. Damaged Pipes
Plumbing systems that aren’t routinely monitored and maintained are common water damage culprits in Florida. A damaged pipe can be catastrophic as it can destroy the flooring. Even small, steady leaks can damage drywall to the point that it must be replaced. No matter the severity of your pipe leaks, the resulting water damage could be destructive.
This is why you must regularly inspect your plumbing systems and perform repiping as necessary. Otherwise, you’ll need to hire remediation professionals should your faulty pipes keep causing water damage in your property.
2. Leaky Roofs
The roof protects you and your home from all the elements outside. It’s easy to have molds and water damage at home if your roof is not in tip-top condition. Additionally, leaky roofs can expose your house to water and anything that might slip through its cracks, increasing your risk of structural damage. Regularly inspecting your roof prevents issues like water damage and mold growth on your property.
Do you have mold-infested areas in your home due to your leaking roof? Have roofing contractors address your leaks to prevent further mold infestations. If molds keep growing despite your DIY efforts, contact a mold remediation company to keep these pests from coming back and causing health risks.
3. Natural Disasters
Natural disasters like heavy rains, hurricanes, and thunderstorms are common in Florida. These disasters cause flooding and leave massive quantities of water that pose a significant risk of water damage to houses. Storm-related water intrusion problems can be avoided by doing regular preventive maintenance in areas where leaks are likely to occur.
You can also take the following steps to avoid flood water entering your home:
- Install a sump pump in case of heavy rains.
- Make sure the downspouts and gutters are clear of debris so water can flow away from your home correctly.
- Ensure there is no water accumulation around your house, as ground saturation can cause flooding and structural damage.
- If you’re in a flood-prone area, consider having flood insurance to help cover the expenses of any water damage repairs.
When natural disasters strike Florida, it’s common to see people employing professionals that offer water restoration in Daytona Beach due to the extensive property damage they often cause.
4. Faulty Appliances
Many are unaware that faulty and old appliances can cause water damage. Old water heaters and washing machines can naturally trigger water damage due to faulty connections or hoses that weren’t regularly replaced or maintained. Unattended faulty, leaking appliances can cause mold growth and musty odor in homes. But this can be prevented by performing regular checks on the hose connections and replacing old appliances that are fairly used past their intended lifespan.
5. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can restrict the water flow and cause unpleasant smells, water contamination, pests, health risks, and structural damage. Clogs left neglected can increase the pressure within the drain, causing the water to strain your water pipes and eventually burst or cause water leaks through joints and seals.
Conclusion
Now that you’re aware of the common water damage culprits, you have an idea of how to prevent it. Sometimes it might be inevitable to experience water damage in your home. Since the internet provides abundant info on how to deal with home water damage, anyone might think it’s doable to resolve the issue themselves, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, restoration experts provide safe and convenient solutions that can save your time and promote health safety.
