Water damage can be a nightmare for homeowners and business owners alike. Often times water damage accidents are unexpected, but if you’re aware of common causes of water damage, you may be able to avoid them completely or at least take extra precautions to be better prepared. The faster you can act in these situations, the better your changes are of mitigating further damage to your home or business. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of water damage.

1. Leaky or Burst Pipes

One of the most common causes of water damage comes from water leaks from pipes that burst or leak. Blocked kitchen drains or backed up toilets can cause pressure in the pipes which can cause them to crack or burst, causing leakage. A small persistent leak can happen overtime, breeding the perfect environment for mold, causing a health concern for those in your home or business. On the other hand, enough pressure on a pipe can cause it to burst completely at once, resulting in immediate flooding. It’s important to have your plumbing regularly checked to avoid unwanted water damage.

2. Storms or Other Severe Weather

Typically, Northern California isn’t prone to many water-related natural disasters, but thunderstorms, hurricanes and other severe weather conditions can cause damage or flooding. The most common type of storm damage in California usually consists of structural damage from flooding, which can then lead to dangerous contamination and damage to drywall and foundations. We recommend taking the necessary precautions to prepare for weather conditions that may lead to potential water damage.

3. Malfunctioning Appliances

Another common cause of residential water damage is from malfunctioning systems and appliances. Some common problems that can wreak havoc include:

• Blocked or leaking toilets
• Damaged or clogged HVAC lines
• Leaking garbage disposals
• Busted washing machine lines
• Faulty or failing sump pumps
• Malfunctioning dishwashers
• Leaking water heaters

As your home appliances and systems age, their pipes may begin to weaken, corrode, or crack which can lead to water leaking and flooding. It’s important to check your warranties and schedule regular maintenance checkups for your appliances if possible.

4. Septic Tank or Sewage Backup

One of the most problematic – but thankfully, less common – water damage causes is septic tank or sewage backup. Blocked or leaking sewer lines may prevent carrying away waste, which can cause a sewage backup into your home or business through toilets, sinks or floor drains. This usually occurs because of an overload sewage system or when a septic tank fills up or overflows due to excessive rain. Not only will this cause water damage, but it also poses a serious health hazard to those involved.

Prevent Water Damage

Now that you’re more aware of the common causes of water damage, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent it. Before things get worse, always act fast and call a plumber to try to avoid further damage. While addressing the problem is great, you’ll want to leave it to the professionals to prevent water damage from occurring. Contact the water damage experts at Dry Kings today!