Indoor flooding is one of the leading causes of water damage, and can result in some serious repairs. Considering all the sources of water into our homes, sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, etc, it is no wonder that the risk for indoor flooding is so high. Though there are many different causes of water damage, we at Proven Professional Construction Service want to go through a few of the most common sources of indoor flooding so that you can be aware of the potential risks to your own Garner home.
The most obvious source of water damage in our homes is from leaky, broken, or burst pipes. Pipes can burst under changes in water pressure. The most common cause of burst pipes is when pipes freeze. When temperatures drop, any standing water in pipes will freeze, creating pressure between the closed faucet and the blockage of frozen water. Once that pressure builds to a certain point, the pipe will burst. A broken pipe can flood your home in a matter of minutes. It is important to keep pipes from freezing to avoid potential water damage. Leaky pipes can also cause water damage. If a pipe is leaking, that is a major warning sign that the integrity of the pipe is compromised. Leaking pipes need to be replaced immediately. Regardless of the cause, pipe problems are huge risks for water damage.
Water will always take the path of least resistance, so you need water to be able to flow to and from your home with ease. A clogged drain line or sewer will disrupt the flow of water, and direct it somewhere else (most likely in very undesirable places like your basement). Slow drainage is often a warning sign for a clog that could worsen over time. Clogs will cause sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers to overflow with water, resulting in large amounts of water flooding your home. If you notice a clog, no matter how big or small it is, get it resolved right away.
Standard water heaters are constantly filled with water so they can provide warm water immediately. While this luxury is especially nice when showering, relaxing in the tub, and washing dishes, it is a huge flood risk because of the amount of stored water. If you have a leak in your water heater, you can expect major water damage. You should provide routine inspection of your water heater and keep up with manufacturer’s suggested maintenance. Sediment will build up in water heaters over time, and if regular maintenance is not performed, it will lead to leaks.
Most high-efficiency washing machines use anywhere between 15 and 30 gallons of water per load (the most effective washers use around 5). That is a lot of water pumping through that water hose. These hoses will degrade over time and with use, and a leak in your intake hose can worsen over time. Because such large amounts of water are flowing through washing machine hoses, you should inspect them regularly. Ensure that connections are tight, and that integrity is not compromised. It is also good practice to replace your washing machine hose every 3-5 years.
When your home suffers water damage as a result of a plumbing issue or another source, you can rely on Proven Professional Construction Services to be there for you 24/7. We offer professional water damage cleanup in Garner and surrounding areas. Water damage is nothing to take lightly, so as soon as disaster strikes, give us a call.
