Top Causes of Water Damage and How to Prevent Them
What damage is not only a costly problem for Chicago homeowners, it is also a common one. The good news is that many of the most common causes of water damage can be prevented with proper care and maintenance in and around your home. In this blog, we are going to go over the top causes of water damage and provide some tips on how to prevent them.
Common Water Damage Causes
Leaking Pipes
Pipes can crack or burst due to freezing temperatures, corrosion, high water pressure, or even poor plumbing installation.
Prevention Tips:
- Insulate pipes that are located in colder areas of your home to prevent them from freezing.
- Regularly inspect exposed pipes for signs of leaks or cracks.
- Monitor the water pressure in your home by installing a pressure regulator.
- Replace old or corroded pipes before they break, burst, or leak.
Appliance Failures
Dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, and refrigerators can all be sources of water damage due to malfunctions, leaks from old hoses, clogged drains, or mechanical issues.
Prevention Tips:
- Check the hoses that supply water to and from your appliances regularly and replace them every 5-7 years to prevent water damage.
- Use high-quality water supply hoses that will be more durable and hold up better over time, like braided steel hoses.
- Keep your appliances clean and maintained, change filters and clean drains regularly, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper use and maintenance.
- Water leak devices can be used near appliances to catch leaks early and alert you before they turn into major water damage problems.
Roof Leaks
Roof leaks can be caused by missing shingles, damaged flashing, or even clogged gutters.
Prevention Tips:
- Have your roof checked at least once a year and after every severe storm so you can catch and repair any missing or damaged shingles before they allow water to enter your home.
- Make sure the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights is properly sealed.
- Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly since clogged or blocked gutters can allow water to overflow and cause water damage.
- If there are trees close to your home with low or overhanging branches, trim them back so they do not fall off the roof and damage shingles or drop debris into the gutters.
Flooding and Heavy Rain
Heavy rainfall can cause rivers and lakes’ rot to rise and overflow and can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to water damage and the need for restoration services.
Prevention Tips:
- Slope the grading around your home away from the foundation
- Consider installing French drains or sump pumps in basements to control water buildup
- Use sandbags or flood barriers in areas that are prone to flooding to divert water away from your home
Sewer Backups
Clogs and blockages in the main sewer line or municipal sewer system can lead to water and sewage backing up into your home.
Prevention Tips:
- Avoid pouring grease, food, and non-flushable items like wipes down drains and toilets.
- Have a professional inspect your sewer line every couple of years for tree root intrusion or blockages.
- Install a backflow valve in your home’s sewer line to prevent sewage from backing up into your home.
Chicago Water Damage Restoration
While we understand that some water damage instances are unavoidable due to unexpected events, we also know that many of the top causes of water damage can be prevented by following the above tips. When your home suffers from water damage and needs water damage restoration services, be sure to call us at Duraclean so we can begin restoration efforts right away.