The different losses that can be caused by water intruding are collectively termed water damage. The water destroys materials like the rotting of wood, rusting of metal, swelling of wood, mold growth, etc. Water damage can occur gradually over time or as a result of a sudden accident or catastrophe. Water damage is much more common than many assume. This is evident from insurance industry research that says on an average day, around 14,000 people experience a water damage emergency in the US.
Water damage can have serious consequences depending on the nature of the water causing damage and the area affected. If there is a delay in dealing with water damage, it worsens. This is why water damage restoration is important. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. offers water damage restoration services in the Gulf Stream and other parts of South Florida. Professional water damage restoration companies like this one have personnel who are trained and equipped to carry out water damage restoration quickly. In this article, Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. shares some of the common causes of water damage that will help homeowners limit water damage to a certain extent.
Common Causes of Water Damage
1. Leaks in Pipes or the Plumbing System
The commonest cause of water damage is a leak from a pipe or at some point in the plumbing of a building. Old pipes can leak when they are corroded. High water pressures, weak pipe joints that leak, extreme temperatures, and broken pipes can all cause leaks that can cause water damage. Sometimes leaks may be very small, but they gradually cause water damage. There can be hidden leaks; inside walls or under a sink. It is important that plumbing systems be monitored for any signs of leaks and that repairs be done without delay to reduce the risk of severe water damage.
2. Clogged Gutters
Gutters can get clogged by leaves, weeds, twigs, dirt, ice, or sludge. When the gutters are not cleaned regularly, they don't allow water to drain out. Water can pool in blocked areas and water can flow near the building structures, and cause water damage.
3. Malfunctioning Appliances
Old water heaters, dishwashers, or washing machines can cause water damage when they don't function properly. Poor water connections and problems with hoses can lead to water leaking. Appliances must be checked if they are not functioning well and maintenance done when needed.
4. Blocked Toilets
Toilets can get clogged with solid waste, like hair that blocks the drainage systems. Water can overflow and flood the floor and lead to water damage. The water overflowing from toilets can be hazardous and needs to be handled with care. A water damage restoration expert should handle this.
5. Burst Pipes
Temperature changes can lead to bursting pipes. When pipes freeze, the ice in them can expand, making them burst. The older the pipes, the more the risk of them bursting.
6. Faulty Air Conditioner
Air conditioners function by taking the humidity from the air and condensing moisture into an overflow pan. Through this overflow pan, the water is moved outside via a condensate line. If there is an obstruction in the condensate line or the overflow pan is damaged, the air conditioner malfunctions and water is not drained properly. The moisture that is not drained can lead to water damage.
7. Water Overflow
Sinks of faucets can overflow if faucets are not turned off or are not functioning. The water overflow can cause water damage to floors, carpets, furniture, etc. It can also lead to mold growth.
8. Septic Tank Overflow and Sewage Backup
When septic tanks are too full, or heavy rain fills them, they can overflow. This can cause a backup from the septic tank to the building. A sewage backup is a severe form of water damage as the water is highly contaminated. This should be handled by trained water damage restoration professionals who follow industry standards and safety guidelines.
9. Bad Weather
Adverse weather, like heavy rainfall or snow, can lead to water damage. For example, a roof can get damaged and lead to water damage.
Water damage restoration is the process that is carried out to remove the water affecting the premises, dry the area, clean up affected spaces and objects, and restore the affected place as far as possible to its pre-damage state. Water damage restoration can be done by DIY methods if the water damage is minimal. However, it is always safer and better in the long term to hire a water damage restoration company, especially if the water damage is more severe. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. has a team that attends training and certification workshops that enable them to provide high-quality water damage restoration in Gulf Stream and other parts of South Florida. The company provides fast and accurate estimates and offers affordable financing options. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. can be contacted 24/7 on the number (561) 316-3989 to handle water damage restoration from assessment to final repair and restoration.
