Force 1 Restoration Services - Force 1 Restoration Shares the Common Causes of Water Damage in Homes

Common causes of water damage

Water damage can wreak havoc on a property, disrupt lives, and become a source of huge expenses. Force 1 Restoration explains how water damage happens and this knowledge can help homeowners prevent and/or mitigate the water damage.

Damaged pipes

Burst or clogged pipes are the usual causes of water damage in homes. Pipes may corrode or wear out over time or start leaking slowly. Drains and toilets that back up or poorly functioning garbage disposals may create pressure on the pipes, leading to cracks and collapse.

Homeowners should watch out for cracks, bulges, stains, and other signs of moisture on their ceilings or floors. Crawl spaces, cabinets, and attics should be checked for water collection around pipes. During winters, pipes must be insulated to prevent them from freezing and eventually rupturing.

Wear and tear of appliances

Pipe and hoses in old appliances slowly rust and weaken. It is inevitable.

Worn gaskets, broken doors, and clogged drains on a dishwasher can cause water leakage in the kitchen. This leak can damage the tile, electrical wiring, and paint. Running the machine with a quart of vinegar every month can help prevent buildup. Scraping and rinsing the machine before loading is an additional maintenance homeowners can do.

Leaky hoses in washing machines can lead to flooding. Homeowners can install a washing machine valve shutoff kit that can prevent gallons of water from entering the house.

A leak in the supply line of refrigerators can lead to a lot of standing water. Drain lines may also become clogged. Refrigerator flooding can be prevented by ensuring that it is well insulated and is regularly checked for leaks.

Clogged drains

Dirt, grease, hair, and other debris can clog bathroom and sink drains. This can lead to pipes breaking down, and eventual structural damage. Clogged drains can lead to problems such as disease, sickness, and aggravated health conditions. For instance, a clogged toilet may back up into the sink, or warp floorboards and wall support.

Homeowners can pour boiling water into the drains every month to dissolve all the debris that can clog them.

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

A fire sprinkler system is a must to protect a home from fire damage. But a malfunctioning sprinkler system can prove disastrous. Older sprinkler systems may get turned on accidentally leading to severe water damage. These systems must be inspected regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly.

Natural disasters

Hurricanes, breaking dams, and snowstorms are natural disasters that can lead to flooding. A flood alarm and warning system can help protect a home against a natural disaster. It is advised to invest in an additional flood insurance policy to cover any water damage due to flooding. Homeowners can install sump pumps and grade their lawns as extra protection against flooding.

Poor maintenance of HVAC units

Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems can cause severe water damage if they are not maintained well. The HVACs must be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure they function well. The drain pan and the condensate line of the drainage system unit must be in proper working conditions and free of dust or dirt. In case of an impending storm, the HVACs must be switched off to prevent water damage and the risk of electrocution.

Why Force 1 Restoration Services?

The professionals at Force 1 Restoration Services can quickly arrive at the damaged residence with the personnel, equipment, and training to begin the water removal, drying, and restoration process. The team of professionals can handle the claims process and total restoration project from beginning to end for its clients.