Common Causes of Water Damage

There is an old saying that water and fire are great servants, but terrible masters. Anybody who has experienced either a home fire or flooding can testify how true this statement is. However, we still need both of these elements in our homes to be comfortable and live normally.

That being said, there are things we can do to ensure that both fire and water remain our loyal servants. Water damage, in particular, can be tricky and dangerous because it can go undetected for some time before it makes a really big mess and causes you irreparable loss of material and personal nature. You can learn a bit more about detecting water damage here https://www.emergencyhomesolutionsoc.com/water/damage/laguna-beach/.

Leaking Pipes

The most notorious and most insidious problem you can have are leaking pipes. They are hidden from sight and they can leak for a long time before you see the problem. By that time, there can be some serious damage to the structure of your home or other possessions.

You may be able to detect this damage before it causes some serious harm if you notice dampness or an unusual increase in your water bill. Professional technicians have various tools which help them locate and repair these issues.

Leaking Washing Machine Hoses

This problem is particularly tricky if it happens while your washing machine is running. The amount of water that goes through the hoses of the machine is huge and if you don’t stop it quickly, you are looking at a flooded house.

Most experts will tell you not to leave your washing machine unattended, but in practice, it is not always possible. Fortunately, modern washing machines can be connected to the smart house devices, so they can let you know if there is a problem.

Water Heater Problems

Most water heaters are made of metal, so you can naturally assume that they will rust after prolonged contact with water. Keep track of your water heater warranty and as soon as it expires, you would do well to inspect it for rust or other problems.

Water heater problems can be relatively minor, like a leaking valve or a pipe or they can be a full-scale heating tank rupture. If your problem is just a valve or a pipe, a quick response can save you a lot of trouble and mess. However, if your water tank breaks, the contents of it will spill all over your home and can cause some serious damage, not least of which is caused by the temperature of the water.

Kitchen Problems

A garbage disposal can make your cleaning much easier, but it can also be the cause of water damage in your kitchen. Over time, the pipes of this device can corrode or break and start leaking. Seeing how it is not very accessible, it may be some time before you see the damage. Luckily, you may be able to smell the problem, as it tends to give off strong smells.

Leaky faucets are less worrying because the water just goes down into your sink and down the drains, but it can still cause your water bill to be abnormally high and you should tend to it as soon as possible.

Bathroom Problems

Leaky showers or baths are the most common bathroom issue. However, in most cases, repairing is as easy as replacing a seal. However, if you notice your floor is constantly damp, you may have your pipes checked. And while you are at it, check for mold growth, which so often accompanies water damage.

Toilets are another item which can cause your bathroom to leak. If you notice water around your toilet, you may need to call a plumber to sort it out quickly before the problem escalates.