Things You Do That Cause Water Damage

As a homeowner, water damage is the last thing you want to be dealing with. Apart from causing significant structural damage to your home, water damage can lead to mold growth and lower the overall value of your home. Therefore, it’s necessary for every homeowner to put effort into preventing water damage so as to protect their property.

In this article, we will look at some of the things homeowners do that cause water damage.

Ignoring Plumbing Problems

Plumbing problems such as deteriorating water pipes, overly high water pressure, broken water connectors, weak pipe joints, and clogged drains can lead to water leaks. Ignoring these issues can cause water damage down the road. You should hire an experienced plumber to fix plumbing problems so as to prevent water damage.

Ignoring Damaged Gutters

The function of gutters is to divert rainwater away from the foundation of your home. If your gutter system is damaged in any way, you could have rainwater spilling over the sides of your house and pooling water around your foundation. It’s best to repair damaged gutters or have them replaced to prevent water damage to your home.

Pouring Grease, Oils, and Fat Down the Drain

Among the things that homeowners do that lead to drain line blockages and subsequent backups is pouring things that should never go down the drain. Items like grease and oils can cause stubborn clogs that can translate to sewage backup. To avoid frequent clogs and causing damage to your drain lines, do not let certain items and substances down your drains. Some of the things you shouldn’t go down the drain include:

• Coffee grounds
• Cooking oil
• Butter and margarine
• Medication
• Eggshells
• Dental floss
• Rice
• Pasta
• Grease and other fats

Failing to Repair or Replace Old, Faulty Appliances

As household appliances get older, some of their components can weaken, making them susceptible to leaks. Some of the household appliances that are more likely to cause water damage when they get older include washing machine, refrigerator, water heater, air conditioner, and dishwasher. It’s advisable to regularly inspect and maintain all household appliances that utilize water to prevent leaks. For appliances that have reached the end of their lifespan, it’s best to replace them. 

Here Are the Common Places to Look for Water Damage in Your Home

• Basement or crawl space
• Under the sink
• Around the bathtub or in the bathroom
• Behind drywall
• Near the washing machine
• Under the siding
• The area around foundations
• Exterior door threshold

Take Immediate Action to Prevent Water Damage to Your Home

Hopefully, you are now aware of the things homeowners do that can cause water damage. It's now your responsibility as a property owner to take precautionary measures to prevent water damage in your home or commercial building. When you experience water damage in your property, it's a good idea to call a water damage company as soon as possible to prevent further damage and restore your property to its pre-loss condition. For fast and efficient water damage restoration in your home or business, call Tidal Wave Response today, and we'll sort you out.