The most common causes of water damage all exist in your home, so we’re about to take a look around. At PureDry, we service and restore homes after water damage, but we also want to educate homeowners. Knowing how to prevent water damage in your home will save you time, money, and effort—is there a better trifecta than that?
Not all problems can be fixed on your own. For 24/7 professional water damage repair and mold removal in the Greater Seattle area, give PureDry Restoration a call. Our expert technicians can conquer the worst water damage disasters, but we can also educate you on how to avoid them. If you need our award-winning services, call us at (425) 374-0027. If you want to learn water damage prevention and repair tips, then let’s get started.
Five Most Common Plumbing Problems
Many homeowners have been affected by the following problems at some point. When unaddressed, these can cause safety concerns and severe property damage. Fixing plumbing leaks is not always an easy task. Some issues can be handled by homeowners, but for others, you may need to call a plumber or water damage restoration company like PureDry.
1. Drain Clogs
Drain clogs can be quick fixes or troublesome safety hazards. Most of the time, you can unclog your drain using a plunger, drain snake, or garbage disposal. If none of these methods work, it’s best to call a plumber. If the drain clog has already created a water disaster, call a water damage expert who has experience working with contaminated water.
2. Frozen Pipes
When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, causing dangerous leaks or bursts. You may hear a loud clang if a frozen pipe bursts. If you suspect a pipe burst in your home, call a water damage restoration expert immediately.
3. Water Leaks
Water leaks can enter your home from various sources. Installing a leak detection system to monitor your water systems can help you catch leaks before they become costly problems.
4. Water Heater Problems
Leaks, hard water, and corroded components are just a few water heater problems that can affect the quality and feel of water throughout your home. If your showers are needlessly cold or your drinking water looks rusty, your water heater may be to blame. Scheduling regular water heater maintenance can help you catch any potential trouble.
5. Sewer Line Issues
Sewer clogs and leaks can let contaminants into your home, seriously affecting your family’s health. Call a sewage cleanup service immediately if you suspect a sewer line issue.
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Common Causes of Water Damage in a Home
The following issues can cause water damage in your home if unaddressed.
Plumbing System Failures
Plumbing failures are a huge reason why water damage occurs in homes. Regularly monitoring your pipes and water quality is never a bad idea.
Leaking Roofs
Storm damage or general wear-and-tear can cause roof leaks. After a while, a roof leak can leave large wet spots on your ceilings and promote mold growth.
Appliance Malfunctions
Pipes and faucets aren’t the only things that can leak in a home. Dishwashers, washing machines, toilets, and other appliances are just as prone to causing water damage.
Sump Pump Failure
A sump pump removes excess water from your home during a flood. If it fails, your home can suffer serious damage.
Basement Flooding
A flooded basement will promote mold growth and harm your home’s structural integrity when unaddressed. Contacting a flood damage restoration company like PureDry is essential for disasters like this.
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Follow These Preventive Maintenance Steps to Protect Your Home From Water Damage
1. Stop Toilet Failure
Prevent a toilet flood or failure by inspecting it at least twice per year. Make sure you’re able to turn off the water supply to your toilet so you can check for corrosion or dysfunction to its valves and supply line.
2. Inspect and Maintain Your Water Heater
In addition to scheduling annual inspections, you should also inspect your anode rod every two years (and once per year after the warranty expires). You should also flush your tank every six months to remove sediment and bacteria buildup.
3. Inspect Washing Machine Supply Lines
Look for corrosion and excess wear on your washing machine supply lines monthly. Tighten any connections that seem loose. Your supply hoses should be replaced every five years, even if they look healthy.
4. Prevent Plumbing Failure
Refrain from pouring grease down drains and plant trees away from plumbing lines to avoid plumbing failures in your home. Also, avoid throwing unnecessary food into drains.
Best Ways To Prevent Water Damage To Your Home
By performing regular check-ups and taking quick looks around your home, you can catch water damage before it becomes a disaster.
Check Hoses and Faucets
Regularly test all hoses and faucets around your home for leaks and water pressure abnormalities.
Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Removing leaves and other debris from gutters and downspouts can prevent roof leaks.
Plant Trees Wisely
Plant trees at least 20 feet away from plumbing lines to prevent roots from growing into pipes.
Scan for Leaks, Mold, and Cracks
If you notice wet spots, chipped paint, or musty smells, you may be dealing with leaks and mold growth.
Monitor Water Pressure Around the Home
High water pressure can lead to pipe bursts and leaks, which will cause low water pressure in turn. Installing a pressure regulator in your home can help you keep track.
Watch Your Water Bill
If your water bill is much higher than normal, your home may have leaky faucets, broken pipes, or malfunctioning appliances.
Learn to Shut Off Water Main
If you are going on vacation or leaving your home for an extended period, shutting off your water main will significantly reduce the chances of water damage striking your home.
Inspect Your Roof and Chimney
Cracked bricks and damaged mortar can easily let water into your home, causing damage and mold growth over time.
Install Water Alarms in Your Home
A water alarm will alert you of excess water in your home. These systems are commonly used in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.
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What Causes Frozen Pipes to Burst?
When water begins freezing, it expands. This expansion puts excess pressure on pipes, sometimes causing leaks and bursts. If you hear a loud clang in your walls, your home may have suffered a pipe burst.
How a Burst Pipe Damages Your Property
A burst pipe can cause thousands of gallons of water to pool inside your home, resulting in mold growth and extreme damage to floors and walls. Acting fast is critical after a pipe burst—let’s discuss your next steps.
What to Do Immediately After a Water Pipe Burst
1. Shut Off Main Water Value
Shutting off your main water valve will stop water from flowing into your home, limiting the scale of water damage.
2. Turn Off Electricity in the Affected Area
To avoid electrocution and other accidents, shut off electricity near your home’s flooded areas.
3. Contact a Plumber for Immediate Help
Be sure to call a plumber as soon as you can. They will find the source of your leak and repair/replace any broken parts.
4. Get in Touch With a Water Damage Restoration Company
PureDry exists for disasters like these. We provide 24/7 emergency water damage restoration, using advanced equipment to efficiently remove excess water from your home. Once we remove excess water, we will dehumidify affected spaces and repair them to prevent future mold growth and restore your home’s comfort.
Trust PureDry for Expert Water Damage Restoration
As an educated homeowner, you can prevent several leaks and plumbing failures inside your home, but sometimes surprises can still happen. When water damage threatens your home, time is of the essence, and no one understands this more than PureDry.
PureDry offers 24/7 water damage restoration services, responding in 60 minutes or less to protect the people and places you love most. As the highest-rated provider in the Seattle area, our expert technicians arrive with a wealth of knowledge and compassion, keeping your needs in mind while saving your home from further damage.
We understand the inherent stress of a water damage emergency, so we have extended guidance on how to have your insurance company pay for water damage costs. We can help you through the claim process to lower your stress in this deeply stressful situation.
For top-tier service from top-tier water damage restoration experts, call PureDry today. Our experts are available 24/7/365, so your home always has a guardian nearby. You can give us a call at (425) 374-0027 or fill out a contact form online. We look forward to helping you!
