When water damage occurs, it can create a stressful situation that can also cost a considerable amount of money. Here are some common causes of water damage in your home and tips for indoor and outdoor water damage prevention.

Common Water Damage Causes

Water damage is always a stressful endeavor that can take considerable time to fix. So, let’s look at the common causes of water damage in your home so that you can prevent further damage.

Clogged Gutters

Throughout the year, debris can fill up your drains without your knowledge. Factors such as weeds, sludge, ice, and tree leaves can clog your drains, cause water to pool, and overflow into the structure of the house. If you don’t clean your gutters regularly, clogs and water overflow can result in damage.

Water overflow can accumulate in your basement, promoting mold growth and creating a putrid odor. So, cleaning your drains several times a year is essential to prevent foundation damage.

AC Condensation

Your air conditioning unit produces condensation, where moisture drips from the unit’s evaporator coil into a drain pan. The drain pan transfers moisture from your home through a condensate drain line. However, when a drain pan gets damaged, or a condensate drain line becomes clogged with dirt and dust, it can leak.

Water being unable to leave your AC unit can cause direct leaks into your home, where water can drip from your unit and damage the floor or walls. AC condensation can also create soggy insulation. Checking your AC unit can help prevent clogging issues or drain pan damage ahead of time.

Water Heater Leaks

As water heaters age, there is an increased likelihood of it springing a leak. It’s especially true if your water heater is poorly maintained or installed improperly. In addition, there are cases where excessive tank pressure can lead to bursts, resulting in a flooded basement.

If your water heater is considerably old, addressing problems immediately can reduce any chances of water damage. You can take care of existing issues or replace your water heater outright if it’s too far gone.

Severe Weather Conditions

Usually, occasional rain poses no threat, but severe weather can produce considerable damage. While extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, and other adverse disasters don’t occur daily, the risk of water damage to your home remains.

Heavy downpours and strong winds can damage your roof, sending rainwater straight into your home. You can also experience flash flooding, especially in flood-prone areas. So, preparing your home for severe weather can help you resist as much damage as possible. Talk to your insurance provider to see what they cover in cases of natural disasters.

Burst Pipes

One of the most common causes of water damage is a burst pipe. Temperature changes can cause your water pipes to burst. As temperatures begin to drop, ice can form within your pipes. This results in the pipes expanding, causing them to burst from the pressure.

The chance of a burst pipe more likely occurs in old or rusty pipes. So, if your water line runs through your basement, it’s crucial that you monitor them to prevent potential water damage.

Septic Tank and Sewage Backup

A septic tank is a buried water-tight tank constructed from fiberglass, concrete, or polyethylene. It’s often used for wastewater treatment via biological decomposition and draining. Over time, a septic tank can overflow from filling up or due to heavy rain conditions.

When a septic tank overflows, it can back into your house, creating an unsightly mess and a pungent odor that can also be a health hazard. So, when your septic tank backs up into your home, you must schedule a sewage system repair to fix it.

Faulty Appliances

After years of having the same appliances in your home, aging water heaters, washing machines, and refrigerators can malfunction. As a result, you could end up with unexpected water damage because of poor water connections or worn-out hoses.

Poor or worn-out water connections can cause water to pour out and pool on the floor, resulting in damage. So, monitor your appliances for noise, rust, or malfunction. For example, if your water heater can no longer heat water, it might be faulty and potentially leak.

Indoor Water Damage Prevention

Now that you know more about the cause of water damage, there are prevention methods that you can practice within your home. Firstly, plumbers suggest that understanding your central water system can help prevent water damage in the future. Knowing where your main water shutoff resides makes it easier to turn it off immediately to minimize further damage.

Furthermore, you should always investigate any leaks and have them promptly fixed. Ignoring a leak or postponing repair can result in mold and mildew accumulation, along with dry rot and structural damage. You also want to monitor your home appliances. Keep an eye on the refrigerator and washing machine hoses for brittleness and age, as they can cause leaks. Hoses can last up to five years, so replacing them regularly can prevent water damage.

Outdoor Water Damage Prevention

Outdoor water damage can occur from many different things. You want to start by maintaining your trees and vegetation, as roots can wrap around your pipes and damage them. Always minimize landscaping near pipes or remove greenery if it becomes too big. You can investigate your city resources to see how far your plants should reside from underground utilities.

Secondly, you’ll want to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned at least twice a year to avoid ice dams and blockage. Standing water can result in unmanaged overflow, creating puddles that could easily damage your foundation. Cleaning and directing your downspouts away from your home can ensure proper water flow without the risk of water damage.

After a disaster, you may feel lost and unsure of what to do. If you need professional disaster restoration services in the Boise, Idaho, area, Full Circle Restoration can help. We offer residential and commercial restoration and cleanup services in Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, Meridian, and Eagle. In addition, our Boise water damage restoration crew offers 24/7 assistance to prevent further catastrophes. We also provide fire damage restoration, flood restoration, mold remediation, and sewage removal services for building and content restoration. If you need a disaster restoration quote, contact us today, and we’ll help you get back on your feet.