If not addressed immediately, unwanted water in your house can cause serious damage requiring renovation. You can avoid such damages with maintenance solutions, including installation of leaf protection in your roof gutter or routine plumbing checks. Also, to prevent water damage, you need to know what causes them. Here are some of them:
Flat roofs
When the roof is full of debris or when its surface deteriorates, its slope is affected. The natural flow of rainwater on the roof is then disrupted, resulting in stagnant pools of water. After some time, this water seeps through the ceiling and walls and can cause molds and cracks on your property.
Clogged gutters
Gutters are useful for stormwater disposal. However, they become a source of water damage when they get clogged with leaves, branches, and other debris. With clogged gutters, rainwater tends to overflow, run on the edge of the gutters, and hit the exterior walls of your home. It will also seep into the house and through the foundation, causing water damage to these areas over time.
Apart from blockage, cracks and holes on gutters can cause costly water damage in your house.
Leaking or burst pipes
Leaking or burst pipes are often results of unregulated water pressure. When water pressure is too high, it damages the pipes and causes leakage. Another reason behind pipe leaks is the deterioration of old pipes. When pipes are installed, their quality can withstand all possible hazards. However, natural wear and tear can lead to leakage, so you need to monitor your pipelines and replace them when needed. Change in temperature damages pipes, as well. If not insulated, pipes can freeze and burst during winter. Lastly, when there is soil movement caused by earthquakes or tree roots near your pipelines, pipes could break, or their fittings could come loose.
Heating and air conditioning system
Your heating and air conditioning system need maintenance to avoid water damage caused by moisture accumulation in the cooling duct. Air purifiers, house heaters, and air conditioners need to function properly to prevent dampness that results in mold and mildew growth on walls and ceiling. Worse, this condition could be a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria.
Blocked sewers and drains
Like gutters, pipes in sewers and drains can suffer from blockage. If you habitually flush down tissues or wet wipes in your toilet, toilet drainpipes will likely get clogged over time.
Broken waste disposal pipes, laundry sinks, and worn-out home appliances like washing machines and dishwashers are also culprits behind water damage in the house. These fixtures and appliances use water and are commonly installed within walls; thus, serious water damage is unavoidable when they break.
Sudden flood in the basement because of burst pipes or backed-up toilet issues due to clogged drainpipes aren’t only costly to repair but also affect your family’s daily convenience and comfort. It’s best to practice regular maintenance of your plumbing and HVAC systems and be mindful of the usual causes of water damage. This way, you avoid costly repairs or, worse, untimely home renovations that can break the bank.