Guide to Residential Water Damage

Identifying water damage might not be at the top of your to-do list, but the effects can be severe if you notice it too late. In some cases, water damage can lead to health issues and expensive repairs. To help you understand water damage and quickly get the support you need, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on common causes of water damage and prevention measures, health hazards, and restoration solutions and services. 

Most Common Causes of Residential Water Damage

Knowing the common causes of water damage is essential for protecting your home and family.

1. Plumbing Issues

 Here are some home maintenance and plumbing issues that can cause water damage:

  • Faulty pipework: Poor plumbing installation can lead to loose-fitting pipes and leaks, which can cause water to build up in your walls and other home structures, causing wood rot, mold and further damage.
  • Broken pipes: Older or corroded pipes can be susceptible to punctures, leading to leaks and moisture damage.
  • Clogged drains: Hair, grease and other debris in your drains can lead to blockages, causing overflowing sinks and toilets. This water can flood your home and seep into walls and floors, leading to structural damage.
  • Water heater leaks: Excess pressure in your water heater can lead to leaks, bursts and flooding in your basement and other home areas.

2. Water Leakage and Appliance Malfunctions

Ice machine, refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine leaks can be common causes of water damage. These are appliance malfunctions that may cause moisture damage:

  • Faulty appliance hoses: If your washing machine or dishwasher has a supply hose that is loosely fitted or detached from the machine, leaks and flooding can occur.
  • Broken doors: Damaged washing machine doors might not close properly, leading to water overflowing during a wash cycle.
  • Supply and drain lines: A leak in your ice machine supply line or clogged refrigerator drain lines can cause overflows and flooding.

3. Severe Weather

Severe weather like hurricanes, snowstorms and excessive rain can lead to stagnant water around your home. This water can flow into your living space, causing flooding, dampness and structural damage.

4. Roof and Structural Damage

A damaged roof and surrounding structural components like shingles and chimneys can leave your home vulnerable to leaks and moisture damage. Clogged roof gutters from overgrown landscaping and debris buildup can also cause water buildup and damming on your roof, leading to rain and exterior moisture seeping into your walls and attic.

5. HVAC and Drainage Issues

While HVAC systems can regulate indoor air, they can cause condensation and moisture issues without proper maintenance. Your HVAC system drain pipes work to remove moisture from your home, but when they are damaged, dust and debris can fill those pipes, impacting moisture removal from your home. This lack of drainage can lead to excess water vapor in the walls, causing dampness, rot and mold growth.

Water Damage Health Hazards

Water damage can have various health consequences, especially if you do not adequately remove damp structures and contaminants caused by moisture buildup.

  • Respiratory illness: Mold and mildew growth are among the most severe results of water damage. Without appropriate restoration and remediation services, mold can continue growing and spreading throughout your living space. You and your family can be exposed to mold spores, causing numerous respiratory conditions like lung infections and coughing. Mold contamination can also trigger asthma and other breathing issues.
  • Allergens and irritants: Bacteria and allergens can build up in damp areas, leading to allergies and eye and skin irritants

Preventive Measures for Water Damage

While floods from severe weather and pipe bursts could happen at any time, there are ways to mitigate the effects of these scenarios and prevent water damage.

1. Conduct Routine Plumbing and Inspections

Frequently checking and managing your plumbing systems is one way to identify leaks and other plumbing issues that can cause water damage.

  • Monitor your water bill: Unusually high water bills can indicate leaks. Keeping tabs on your water use and expenses can be a great way of identifying and preventing plumbing issues before they lead to excessive water damage.
  • Check your water pressure: High water pressure can lead to plumbing issues like leaks, burst water heaters and worn appliances. You can check and adjust your water pressure with a facet gauge to prevent potential plumbing issues.
  • Locate and shut off your water main: Knowing where your water main is and how to switch it off is one of your first and best defenses for preventing floods and excessive water damage. You can shut off your water supply when you leave your home for long periods of time, preventing possible plumbing and appliance malfunctions.

2. Inspect and Maintain Appliances

Inspecting your appliances can help you detect pipe faults and drainage issues. Walk around your appliances to check for leaks and other issues on a consistent basis. This way, you can get repair and maintenance services before these issues lead to overflowing water and flooding.

3. Maintain HVAC Systems 

If you have condensation problems in your home, installing ventilation systems can be an excellent solution for controlling and removing moisture. A professional HVAC company can also help you check and fix air conditioning issues like blocked condensation pipes, ensuring optimal airflow and moisture removal.

4. Use Smart Thermostats and Humidity Sensors

You can monitor your home’s humidity and moisture levels with smart thermostats and sensors. These devices accurately record indoor humidity levels and warn you when moisture levels get too high.

5. Complete Landscaping and Roof Maintenance

Keep your landscaping neat to prevent trees and shrubs from overgrowing and blocking gutters and drainage systems. You can also have a professional complete roof inspection and maintenance, like fixing broken shingles and unclogging gutters, to prevent water buildup and leaks.

Rely on Alliance Environmental for Water Damage Remediation Services

With professional remediation services, you can reduce the impact of water damage and restore your living space to a safe and healthy condition. Neglecting water damage can lead to serious health and safety concerns. 

At Alliance Environmental, we understand the importance of expert remediation solutions to remove moisture and contaminants like mold and mildew. We are a leading indoor air quality and environmental remediation company, helping residents like you get your living space back to normal. With 25 years of industry experience, you can trust our knowledgeable team for quality remediation services that follow EPA and OSHA guidelines.

If you live in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon or Washington, you can rely on us for prompt and professional services. Contact us today for reputable and effective water damage solutions, including mold removalfloor demolition and drywall repairs.

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