Common Water Damage Causes

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Technician cleaning up plumbing overflow in commercial building located in Boston, MA

Appliances

Household appliances such as a dishwasher, washing machine and refrigerators can malfunction and cause water damage. Review the factory recommended replacement time to avoid damages due to wear and tear. The older the appliance is the more susceptible the pipes and hose are to deterioration. Many of these appliances come with a limited warranty if the appliance is faulty before the warranty is up. Keep a log and include each appliances recommended lifecycle so you know when it is time to replace or schedule a maintenance check up for the appliance.

Leaking Pipes

Drains, toilets, and sinks can get backed up and blocked. This blockage creates pressure in the pipe which ultimately leads to the pipe bursting or leaking. If you have a garbage disposal it is wise to have someone look at it if it is not working properly as they are common causes of water damage as well. Set a reminder for you to check all pipes in the home and try your best to replace old rusty pipes because they are more prone to leaking. It’s harder to detect if there is a pipe leak if the pipes are covered by a wall or other items. In this case the only way to know is once there is build up and the surface shows the water markings.

HVAC

Heating, Ventilating, and air conditioning unit are also a common cause of water damage. When not maintained properly they can cause water build up. When the moister settles and cools it can interact with mold spores in any of the HVAC units and cause mold to grow.

What should you do after water leak?

The first thing you should do is see if it is possible to find the source of the water damage. That way you can either turn off the water or try to minimize the damage. Second, you will want to contact a water damage remediation company like us. You do not want to delay the steps above because the longer water sits the higher the changes of mold developing. If water has been sitting for more that 48hrs chances are mold is growing. By contacting a professional like us you will ensure that the water is extracted, your property is dried, and mold is addressed if necessary. Third, contact your insurance company to see if you have coverage for the damaged property.

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