Water damage is one of the most common and expensive problems homeowners can face. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a flood, or a leaky roof, water damage can cause serious problems if not repaired quickly and correctly.
Fortunately, there are things homeowners can do to prevent water damage, and they also have the ability to fix water damage after the worst has already happened. In this blog post, we’ll go over 5 of the most common causes of water damage in the home and how to prevent it.
1. Flushing Foreign Objects Down the Toilet
Flushing foreign objects down the toilet is a common cause of water damage. Items such as paper towels, diapers, and cotton swabs can clog pipes and lead to overflowing toilets and broken pipes, causing significant water damage.
It’s also important to know that flushing items such as cigarettes and cigarette filters, dental floss, and other such items can also cause water damage.
To avoid this type of water damage, never flush anything other than toilet paper down your toilet. Dispose of all other items in the trash and not in the toilet to prevent pipes from clogging and causing expensive water damage.
2. Pouring Grease and Oil into the Sink
Pouring grease and oil down the sink seems like a convenient way to dispose of it, but it’s one of the most common causes of water damage in the home.
Grease and oil can get stuck in pipes and cause clogs, causing water to back up in the sink, flooding the kitchen, and causing costly water damage.
To avoid this problem, never pour grease or oil down the sink; instead, keep it in a sealed container and dispose of it with household waste.
You should also have your pipes inspected regularly to detect possible clogs that can lead to water damage.
3. Neglecting to Maintain Appliances
One of the most common causes of water damage in homes is neglecting to maintain appliances.
If your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, and other appliances are not regularly maintained and inspected for signs of wear and tear, they could be leaking or not working properly without you realizing it. This can lead to significant water damage if left unaddressed.
For example, a leaky dishwasher can cause water to collect underneath the appliance and severely damage the floor, walls, and even the ceiling below. Similarly, a cracked hose or pipe connection on a washing machine can cause water to seep into the surrounding areas, resulting in water damage to floors, walls, and other surfaces nearby.
By regularly maintaining your appliances and inspecting them for signs of wear, you can identify potential water damage before it gets out of control. If you find a leaking pipe or hose connection, have it replaced by a qualified technician as soon as possible to prevent further water damage.
4. Overloading Washing Machines
Another common cause of water damage in the home is overloading washing machines.
An overloaded washing machine can put too much strain on the motor, which can cause a leak and lead to water damage.
If you overload your machine, water may not circulate properly and leak out of the front or back of the machine, causing water damage to floors and walls. In addition, too much clothing can cause excessive foam to leak out of the machine, also causing water damage.
To avoid water damage from overloading, wash only the recommended amount of clothes each time you wash.
5. Ignore Leaks
Water leaks can cause major water damage if left unaddressed.
If you notice signs of a water leak, such as discoloration on the walls or puddles of water on the floor, have a professional fix it immediately.
Even small, seemingly insignificant leaks can lead to major water damage if not addressed quickly. In addition, it’s important to check pipes and hoses regularly for signs of leaks.
By being proactive, you can prevent water damage before it can cause serious harm.