The temperatures are at their highest point of the year, which means Summer is officially in full swing. The added need for water during this time of year can start to weigh itself on your home’s plumbing. Whether that’s more showers, water for gardening, or just needing some extra water to cool off, your plumbing usage is likely higher than usual. This in turn heightens the opportunity for water damage.
With the increased odds of water damage during the summer months, it’s important to break down the causes to help prevent it from happening. Through a set of expert tips, you’ll be ready to prepare your home to avoid water damage during the summer.
Signs of Water Damage in a Home
Spotting water damage in your home can be a tricky task. Some water damage is simply hidden from the human eye and hides behind your home’s walls and fixtures. But, some signs of water damage are easier to spot. Here are some common signs that you have water damage in your home:
- Wet or dark spots on walls or ceiling
- Damp, musty, or moldy smell
- Peeling paint
- Flaking or cracked drywall
- Bowing or warped wood
- Watermarks
- Standing water
Why is Summer a Big Season for Water Damage?
To properly implement measures to protect your home from water damage during the summer, you need to know why it happens in the first place. Water damage is much more prevalent in the summer for a multitude of reasons, with the underlying cause being stress on your plumbing system. Listed below are the common causes of water damage during the summer:
Increased Outdoor Activities
The summer brings out the most optimal weather for outdoor activities and the heat drives us to use up more water from our plumbing systems. The increase in outdoor activities like gardening, swimming, showers, and big gatherings adds extra stress to your plumbing system. The odds of water damage spike due to the increased outdoor activities that put your home’s water systems at constant use.
Intense Weather Patterns
With weather patterns that are all over the place during the summer, the chances of experiencing water damage become much higher. The intense change in weather patterns spawns severe thunderstorms, rainfall, and in some cases, much bigger issues like hurricanes in some regions. These weather conditions can lead to flooding, leaking in your roof, and water seeping into your basement. At this point, water damage may very well start to show up throughout your home.
Vacation Absences
The summertime is one of the biggest times of year for travel. With no one at home to watch the house during a vacation, a small leak can grow into something much larger. A small instance of water damage then compounds into a mammoth problem to discover when the vacation is over.
Humidity And Condensation
With the increased amount of humidity and condensation, the opportunity for mold and mildew growth is much higher than usual. Not only can mold and mildew growth cause issues to the home’s structure, but they also can cause respiratory problems for those in the household.
Overworked Appliances
With members of the household looking for refuge from the scalding heat of the summer inside, certain appliances can be overworked. Appliances like air conditioners, dishwashers, and washing machines see an increase in usage, thus a workload they might not be able to maintain. This can then lead to leaks and malfunctions that can create water damage.
Common Causes of Water Damage In the Summer
Summer Rainstorms
Summer rainstorms often come with a massive influx of water and even hail. This influx of water can cause leaks that end up soaking into your home’s structure. Depending on the extent of water damage, water damage services through PureDry Restoration may be needed.
Mold
If your home has experienced recent water damage, it’s important to deal with it swiftly. This is crucial to curve the chances of mold growth, which can manifest in as little as 24 hours. Mold has the potential to lead to dangerous water in your household. Consider water damage services through PureDry if you suspect mold growth.
Flooding
One of the most overwhelming issues that can happen in your home is flooding, and it’s a costly issue at that. If a flood has struck your home, standing water can lead to water damage throughout your home. Follow the necessary steps in cases of flooding, and turn to water damage services through PureDry to help you through the process.
Leaking Faucets or Pipe Breaks
With the heavier workload on your home’s plumbing system during the summer, wear and tear is bound to accelerate. With this side effect, the chances of a leaking faucet or a burst pipe due to increased wear and tear are higher. A leaky faucet or a burst pipe has the potential to create noticeable water damage.
9 Tips To Avoid Water Damage to Your Home
Now that you know the causes behind the increased odds of water damage during the summertime, here are numerous tips to help you avoid those issues:
Outside the Home
Disconnect Hoses
Disconnecting your hoses from their faucets can stop the water flow and prevent the possibility of various cases of water damage.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
A cluttered gutter and downspout are going to cause blockages and an overflow of water. The general guideline is to clean your gutters and downspouts twice a year to avoid debris buildup and possible issues.
Maintain Trees and Vegetation
Maintaining the trees and vegetation around your property’s piping is often overlooked. Overgrown trees and vegetation can potentially wrap around piping and fixtures and even break them. Practice maintaining your home’s trees and vegetation and keeping them a safe distance away from piping and such.
Inside the Home
Know Your Water Main
If you run into a plumbing emergency in your home, knowing where your water main is located is crucial to stopping further water damage. You should know the location of your home’s water main and its components to turn it off when a plumbing emergency occurs.
Maintain Appliances
Keeping appliances such as your washing machine and refrigerator in working order is especially important. The appliances and their components are known for becoming worn and creating water damage.
Investigate and Fix Leaks Promptly
Keeping a tab on areas susceptible to leaks is a great tip for avoiding water damage. If you spot a leak or an area of concern, fix this issue immediately to avoid a list of compounding issues.
Install Water Detection Devices
Water detection devices are small pieces of equipment tasked to alert you when their sensor comes in contact with moisture. Installing these devices near places susceptible to water damage such as water heaters, washing machines, sump pumps, and toilets creates an immense advantage in early detection. Preventing issues as soon as they manifest through moisture detection will prevent extensive damage and mold growth.
Check Your Water Pressure
Your home’s water systems are designed to stay at the sweet spot of water pressure between 40 and 70 PSI. If your home reaches over 100 PSI, pipes and hoses may fail due to the increased pressure. Keep tabs on your home’s water pressure and install a pressure regulator to maintain optimal PSI levels.
Monitor Your Water Bill
If you suddenly see a spike in your water bill, a leak might be the cause. Scour your home for signs of leaks to determine if a leak is the cause and act immediately.
5 Biggest Problems Caused by Water Damage
- Mold and Mildew Growth
Unlike some other problems that stem from water damage, mold and mildew growth is a health issue. Mold and mildew growth can cause respiratory issues for those within the home and even compromise your home’s structural integrity.
- Contamination
Water damage has the potential to carry unclean water. Contamination of your water means waste, bacteria, and other pathogens that render your water unsafe to consume.
- Damaged Appliances
The damage of appliances due to water damage will not only cause your appliances to malfunction but also spawn hazards such as fires and electrocution.
- Surface Deterioration
Water damage causes deterioration to a multitude of surfaces in your home such as the walls, ceiling, and floors. This will cause these surfaces to peel and discolor, making for an unsightly appearance. Materials such as wood can become weak and less sturdy and can create a physical hazard in your home.
- Cracked, Warped Floors
For those with wood floors, water damage can cause rot and warping. For concrete floors, watch out for pits, cracking, and further possible problems.
Trust PureDry for Expert Water Damage Restoration
Due to the increased workload assigned to your home’s water systems during the summer, the possibility of water damage naturally creeps up. If water damage has manifested in your home, contact PureDry Restoration before it’s too late by calling (425) 600-9815 or visiting their website today.