While you can always get water restoration service in Vancouver to clean up the effects of water damage afterward, identifying the causes of the damage and taking proper measures would help you prevent water damage and the incurred costs. It will also help you avoid the inconveniences that come with the damage.
Are you keen to protect your property from water damage? Below, we have listed some common causes of water damage you should look out for.
Leaking Pipes
A leaky pipe beneath your walls can leak enough water to cause damage to your walls. Since the pipe is out of sight, it may be difficult to notice until the damage is already done. The leak can also make the wall environment conducive for mold spores to grow. This will, in turn, cause you to make costly repairs while remediating the mold growth or restoring the damage done to your walls. Some ways to tell if you have a leaky pipe include when you notice wet spots on your wall, increasing water bills, or a musty smell in your home.
Condensation From The Air Conditioning Unit
Condensation is one part of the process involved in your AC unit cooling your home. Usually, when your air conditioning unit produces condensation, the moisture drips from the evaporator coil into a drain pan. It is then drained outside your home through the condensate drain line. However, when the condensate drain line becomes clogged with debris or is damaged, the moisture will be trapped in the unit and begin to leak into your home. Depending on how long this goes on, you may end up with damaged walls or ceilings. The insulation close to your HVAC ducts can get damaged as well.
Blocked Drains
Hair, dirt, grease buildup, or food particles or toiletries can clog the drains in your bathroom floor, kitchen sink, or bathtub and obstruct the flow of water out of your home. When this is ignored for a long time, the residual pool can lead to water damage inside your home. Pouring hot water down your drain can help to break up grease particles and other debris and prevent them from clogging your drain. Also, refraining from washing your hair during shower time or putting on a shower cap can help to keep hair out of your drains.
Burst Pipes
Constant changes in weather patterns and temperature can result in your water pipes bursting.
For instance, during the cold season, when the temperature drops low, the water in your pipes can freeze and expand, causing cracks in the pipes or bursting them completely. If your pipes are rusty or old, there’s a higher chance of them bursting.
Clogged Gutters
The sole purpose of your home’s gutter system is to channel water away from your home. However, your gutter system can get clogged at times, hindering its function. Common items that clog your gutters include leaves, sludge, branches, weeds, and other kinds of debris. When your gutters get clogged, water won’t be channeled properly away from your property; rather, it creates a pool at the site of the blockage. When this becomes excessive, it overflows to the sides of your building into the foundation, causing damage.
Water Overflow
When you forget to turn off your sinks or faucets properly, what started out as a drip can turn into an overflow of water which can lead to water damage. For instance, when water overflows, it can get into your carpets and wood flooring or seep into your walls. When this is not properly dried, it can lead to mold growth in your carpets and walls and cause your wood furniture to rot over time. If your faucets or sinks have developed a fault and cannot turn off properly, it’s best to turn off the water supply in your home to avoid them from dripping. Also, don’t forget to contact a technician to look at the fault.
Although water is necessary for our daily living, it can also be destructive when care is not taken. Leaky pipes, clogged drains, AC leaks, leaky faucets, etc., are all common things homeowners encounter. But when left unchecked, they are also the primary causes of water damage in the home. So, when you experience any issues in your home, don’t wave a repair off for a later date. Make sure to find and hire trained technicians to fix the fault and save your home from further destruction and property water damage.