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The Most Common Causes of Water Damage

January 28, 2023

Water damage is one of the most common types of home insurance claims, and it can happen in a variety of ways. The source of water damage can be anything from a leaky pipe, failed sump pump, or excess stormwater.

If you've been devastated by water, mold, fire, and/or smoke damage, know that your cherished possessions, your home or business, can all be restored to pre-damage condition; bringing back your peace of mind.

Whether water, mold, fire, or smoke causes damage to your home or business, the effects are heartbreaking and often life-changing. We at All Clean Restoration understand the devastation and pain these events can cause. We also understand that quick and proper action is crucial to prevent further damage, red tape, and cost.

Call us any time, day or night:

1-800-422-3944

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Water damage is one of the most common types of home insurance claims, and it can happen in a variety of ways. The source of water damage can be anything from a leaky pipe, failed sump pump, or excess stormwater. It’s important to quickly identify and repair any water damage, and All Clean can help!

Plumbing Water Damage

Water damage from leaking and frozen pipes are two of the most common types of property damage. It can occur in any location and can be caused by a wide range of factors.

One of the most common causes of water damage is frozen pipes. Freezing temperatures penetrate deep into the piping system, causing pipes to expand and burst. In this case, water seeps slowly through the damaged pipe and accumulates on the inner walls, or into your living space.

Other causes of water damage from leaking pipes include: bursting water mains; corrosion on metal pipes; broken or worn joints in PVC piping; tree roots growing through underground pipes; and improper installation or maintenance of rain gutters and downspouts.

Water Damage From Failed Water Heater

If your water heater has a failure, water can start leaking from all sorts of places, which can lead to serious damage.

Here are some of the most common water heater failures that cause leaks:

Leaks around the pipe that connects the water heater to the plumbing system
Leaks in the tank or hoses
Failed seals on hot water heaters
corroded or clogged pipe joints

On average, traditional storage tank water heaters last between 8-12 years, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years. However, regular maintenance can prolong the life of a water heater and it is important to be aware of the signs that a water heater is in need of replacement such as rust on the tank, slow leakage, water pressure changes, and strange noises from your plumbing system.

Water Damage From a Dish Washer or Washing Machine Failure

A failed washer or dishwasher can cause water to leak onto the floor, furniture, or other objects in the room. This water damage can be difficult to detect and fix, as it often appears as small spots or stains that gradually evolve into bigger problems. In extreme cases, it may even lead to full-blown structural damage.

Sewer Back-Up

One of the most common causes of black water damage is a sewer backup. When wastewater collects in a blocked sewer system, it can overflow and cause serious problems. When you’ve got a sewer system backup, the wastewater will back up into your home at the lowest point, which is often a drain in your basement floor, or a bathtub.

If the elevation of your home is One of the most common causes of black water damage is a sewer backup. When wastewater collects in a blocked sewer system, it can overflow and cause serious problems. When you’ve got a sewer system backup, the wastewater will back up into your home at the lowest point, which is often a drain in your basement floor, or a bathtub.

If the elevation of your home is lower than your neighbors, their wastewater can also back up into your home through the sewer connection.

In addition, If a clog or blockage occurs in the main sewer line, it can cause a backflow of sewage into your home through all the drains.

Water Damage caused by Storm Flooding

One of the most common causes of water damage is flooding from storms. When heavy rains fall, they can often overwhelm the drainage systems in an area and lead to severe flooding. This type of water damage is particularly difficult to recover from because it can contaminate building materials and lead to mold growth.

Failed Sump Pump Flooding

Another common cause of water damage is flooding from a failed sump pump. A sump pump is installed in the lowest point of a home’s foundation and is used to remove water that has accumulated in the basement. If the power goes out or the pump fails, floodwater can quickly rise and cause significant damage to your home.

Water Damage From Seepage or Poor Drainage

Water damage can also be caused by seepage or poor drainage around the foundation of your home. If water is able to seep into the basement or crawl space, it can lead to mold growth and serious structural damage. This damage happens slowly over time and can be difficult to notice. Some of the signs you may have seeping water damage are moldy or musty odors, peeling paint, and warped wood.

Leaking Roof

Another common cause of water damage is a leaking roof. A leaking roof can allow water to enter your home and cause serious damage to the walls, ceilings, and insulation. If you notice any leaks in your roof, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. If your roof is leaking you may notice water stains on the ceiling, sagging portions of the roof, or you may see missing shingles.

Leaking Foundation

A leaking foundation can allow water to enter your home and cause serious damage to the walls, insulation, and flooring. In a finished basement, water can occur for months or years before you notice it. The first sign will likely be a musty odor or water stains on your walls and flooring. You may also see bubbled paint or damp concrete that is a darker color than the dry concrete surrounding it. If you have a leaking foundation it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible.

Crawl Space Leaks

If you have a crawl space you likely won’t see water damage immediately, and the leak will often go unnoticed for a long time. Water leaks in your crawl space can come from poor drainage, foundation problems, or leaking pipes. If you have water in your crawl space the dirt in your crawl space will start to smell, and high humidity will build and cause mold growth on your subfloor and floor joists. The first thing you’ll probably notice is a musty odor in your home. It’s important to have a mold inspection if you are smelling musty odors in your home. The inspection will identify the cause of the odor and any underlying water damage.

What To Do If You Suspect You Have Water Damage

The first step is to stop the source of the water. If you can safely do so, shut off the main water valve in your home. Once you’ve done that, it’s important to remove standing water and dry your home out as quickly as possible to reduce the damage the water causes.

All Clean Restoration offers professional water damage restoration services to help you get your home back to its original condition. Our team of experts is equipped with the knowledge, tools, and experience to handle any type of water damage, from start to finish. Call All Clean for your water damage restoration needs.

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All Clean Restoration's Other Services

Whether water, mold, fire, or smoke causes damage to your home or business, the effects are heartbreaking and often life-changing. We at All Clean Restoration understand the devastation and pain these events can cause. We also understand that quick and proper action is crucial to prevent further damage, red tape, and cost.