5 Common Causes of Water Damage in Homes and Businesses

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Water damaged the ceiling of this home, and ended up with the ceiling collapsing onto the living room floor

Do you have a water problem?  Water is plentiful in nature and essential to life, but too much water in all the wrong places can be disastrous to homes and businesses. Water can breakdown drywall, hardwood, and other structural elements of a building as well as lead to hazardous mold conditions

Here at SERVPRO of Eatontown / Long Branch, we know how important it is to diagnose and fix a water problem quickly, before it turns into a catastrophe.  Although sometimes the cause of water damage is obvious and unavoidable – major flooding from a hurricane, for example – there are actually several common causes of water damage that start small but can turn big and hazardous, especially if they go unnoticed.

In order to help you prevent water damage, here are 5 common causes of water damage you should pay attention to:

Backed Up Sewage

When sewage backs up, there is potential danger both from water damage and waste that can carry bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants.

Open floor drains are typically the most common cause of backed up sewers, but they can happen even with a closed waste system.

Leaks in Your Roof

It is common for roof shingles and decking to wear out over time, and as your roof weakens, there is an increased chance that rain or snow will lead to water damage.

Unfortunately, it is common for a roof problem to go undetected until it is too late. That’s why it’s a good idea to make a visual inspection of your roof at least twice a year. Also, pay attention to your ceilings for any signs of water stains, soft spots, or mold.

Problems with Your Foundation

Damaged foundations are also a common cause of water damage. Cracks, gaps, and general wear and tear to your foundation can make it possible for water to start to seep into your basement or crawl space, sometimes so slowly that it can go unnoticed until there’s a problem.

It’s a good idea to check your foundation regularly, and especially after storms or rapid snow melt when any small problem might quickly intensify.

Leaks in Your Plumbing

The valves and fixtures of your plumbing system will wear down over time and may cause at first just tiny leaks that easily go unnoticed, especially if the leaks are behind walls or otherwise hidden from plain sight.

To help prevent leaks, make sure to check your valves at least twice a year and replace them every 20 years or sooner depending on their condition.  If the valves are behind walls, be on the lookout for signs of water spots or sagging drywall.

A Malfunctioning Sump Pump

A sump pump is designed to help you prevent water damage, but if the sump pump itself fails, you’re in trouble.

In order to keep your sump pump in good running order, it’s smart to service it at least once or twice a year. You can do this yourself by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pump basin to make sure it’s working properly. You may want to consider replacing your sump pump about every 7 years depending on use.

Here at SERVPRO of Eatontown / Long Branch, our mission is to be “faster to any disaster.” So, if your home or business is in need of help for water damage, our team of advanced technicians will be on hand bringing the advanced equipment and specialized training needed to clean and restore your damaged property as quickly as possible.