Most Common Causes of Water Damage in Your Home
Water damage is one of the most difficult types of home repair to deal with. Not only do you need to fix the immediate problem, but you also have to find and eliminate the source of the water and be aware of and prevent bacteria and mold from complicating the situation. To add to the difficulty, time is not on your side when dealing with water damage. Mold can begin to grow in water damaged areas of your home in as little as 24 hours.
Causes of Water Damage
The most common causes of residential water damage are:
- Severe weather, including heavy rains, tornado and hurricane activity, and flooding.
- Runoff from spring thaws. When snow melts before the ground has thawed, the water can’t soak into the soil and will pool up. If your yard does not have good drainage, that pooled water could soak into your foundation.
- Plumbing problems such as leaky or broken pipes, overflowing sinks, or malfunctioning appliances.
- Condensation from air conditioning units.
Simply being aware of these common causes of water damage, and checking them any time conditions are right for potential water damage, could save you time, money, and stress. Check your foundation and basement during and after heavy rains and Spring thaws to catch seepage early. Inspect your pipes, HVAC system, and appliances regularly to ensure they are working properly.
Water Damage Repair
Prevention is always easier and less expensive than water damage repair, but if it’s too late to prevent the damage from happening, follow these tips to minimize the problem:
- Dry the area as quickly and as thoroughly as you can. Set up fans, open windows (if weather permits) and remove furniture and other possessions that might be damaged by moisture.
- Call a professional water damage restoration service, like RestorationMaster in Phoenix, AZ. Most restoration services have a 24-hour hotline and will have someone to your home to inspect the damage within a few hours.
How to Choose a Water Damage Service Provider
How do you know who to call when you discover water damage? First, call your homeowners’ insurance agent. They will give you a list of local water damage service professionals they have worked with in the past. Then call and ask for references and recommendations from current and former customers. While you do need to get the damage repaired as quickly as possible, you also should be wary of any company who seems reluctant to provide referrals from satisfied customers.