Experiencing water damage in your home can be a lot more expensive to repair than you might think. Water and mold damage can cost insurance companies $2.5 billion each and every year and the average home water damage insurance claim totaling an eye-watering $6,965.
Even without the extensive costs associated with water damage in your home, it is also important to think about the emotional toll that this kind of damage would have on you as a homeowner and as a family. Having your most treasured possessions damaged or even worse destroyed, can be an incredibly traumatic experience.
Thankfully, there are ways in which you can minimize the threat of water damage in your home and this starts with identifying the top causes of water damage in the average American property.
Leaking or burst pipes
Statistically one of the most frequent causes of water damage, a leaking or burst pipe can cause untold damage to your property in a very short period of time.
Causes of leaking or burst pipes include:
- Unregulated water pressure
- Temperature change
- Wear and tear of the pipes themselves
- Lack of insulation in the pipes
Undetected plumbing problems
Your home may very well have a problem with its plumbing system without you even realizing it, and when you do, it is often already too late, and the damage has already been done.
Signs that you have an underlining plumbing problem include:
- A slow draining sink
- A slow draining bathtub
- A running toilet
- Low water pressure
- A jammed garbage disposal
If you do suspect that you have a plumbing problem, do not ignore it or try to fix the issue yourself, this will only increase your risk of suffering from water damage. Instead, contact a reputable plumbing company like Twin Cities Plumbing, who will provide you with expert advice and professional service.
Faulty or old household appliances
If your washing machine or hot water tank has a fault or even if they are just very worn out, you are much more likely to experience water damage than if you had a brand new, recently checked appliance.
Cracked pipes and eroded hoses can both lead to water leaks, so it is vital that you check the warranty of your appliances and have any repairs carried out as soon as possible.
Other appliances that often cause water damage in the home include your refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher.
HVAC systems
Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning units can all be responsible for water damage in your home if they do not have regular maintenance checks. Leaks and damp are both common occurrences with faulty and worn-out units.
Overflowing toilets
Although not as common as the above causes, an overflowing toilet can happen if your home’s drains or the main sewer line become clogged.
You can avoid a blocked toilet by:
- Not flushing too much toilet paper at once
- Not flushing wipes
- Not flushing sanitary products
- Not flushing diapers
Clogged gutters
If your home’s gutters are become blocked with leaves and other debris, the water will then overflow and run down the side of your property and gradually seep into the foundations of your home. Avoid this problem by regularly clearing out your gutters, especially in wet weather.