Top causes of household water damage and how to prevent it

REEN BAY, Wisconsin – Some Californians have had to cope with another round of severe flooding, but around 14,000 people are impacted by water damage to their households daily. Water damage is one of the most common problems you can face as a homeowner. If not taken care of immediately, water can cause expensive damage to a home. It can also lead to the growth of hazardous mold.

ServiceMaster Restore, a global leader in natural disaster response and restoration services for both residential and commercial clients, is an expert in helping homeowners properly clean-up water damage. Here are some of the top causes of water damage at home and how to prevent it.

Broken or leaking pipes

Leaking or broken water pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage to a home. If a pipe ruptures in a home, serious water damage can occur. Even a minor dripping leak can lead to substantial water damage over time. However, not all water damage is visible, plumbing or drain damage can often be unseen and can go unnoticed within the walls of the home.

If one suspects there may be an unseen leak, there are some signs of water damage to watch out for including listening at night for any sounds of dripping water or looking out for water.

Water overflow

Forgetting to turn off the sink or tub faucet can lead to a soggy problem fast. Water overflow caused by sinks or toilets can destroy flooring and carpeting, and even break through a downstairs ceiling. If not completely cleaned up right away, the homeowner may experience permanently damaged wood and mold growth. If they're unable to reach the faucet or the taps won't close, turn off the main water supply lines to the home to avoid further damage.

Faulty household appliances

Malfunctions and clogs can cause appliances to leak. A dishwasher leak, for instance, can cause water damage to cabinetry and lead to warped wood or mold growth. Refrigerators may have a clogged pipe or leaking defrost pan that needs to be fixed. The fact is, if there is water where it can be seen, there is very likely water where it can't be seen. If an appliance has a leak, clean up the leakage as quickly as possible and have it repaired or replaced.

Clogged gutters

Gutters are meant to direct water away from the home during a severe storm. A clogged gutter can cause water to overflow and slowly seep into the property. Periodic cleaning is important to ensure that gutters are free of any debris. Twice a year, remove any leaves, twigs, seed pods, and other blockage from the gutters.

Sewer backup

Sewer backups are either caused by intense storms or tree roots blocking the home's pipes. Both of these instances can lead to catastrophic water overflow, especially if the homeowner isn’t able to act fast. While they can't combat a storm, contacting one’s insurance agent to discuss which homeowner policy can protect against water damage caused by sewer backups is recommended.

For more water damage information and tips see https://www.servicemasterrestore.com/blog/water-damage/.

Submitted by ServiceMaster Restore.