Modern homes have several sources for potential water leaks, some of which are located in seldom-used areas. With many potential sources of a leak, it is not surprising just how often water cleanup services are needed across the country each day.
Left untreated, water damage can cause a plethora of problems. Mold may begin growing on the walls, the plaster of the ceiling may start to form bubbles, the upholstery gets damaged, and the floor could start warping, and all of this can be caused by water. These problems just keep multiplying depending on how long the water stands on the property. Hence, water damage can weaken the structure of your property and devastate you completely.
You can hire a professional cleanup and restoration service provider who can clean up all the mess left behind after the damage and restore the property. You should look for organizations that are responsive and responsible at the same time.
TN Flood Kings is a professional water damage restoration company that provides quick and effective services. Our professionals have got the eye to find out the source of the problem. No matter what factors trigger water damage, our technicians will fix anything or everything for you.
6 Common Causes of Water Damage
Water damage can knock on your door at any time of the day. Not everyone knows to understand what causes water damage and how to stop it immediately. There can be several factors that can trigger a water damage incident and require the water damage restoration process to begin.
Here are 6 common causes of water damage that you must know about.
Leaky Roof
A leaky roof is the major cause of water damage. For instance, if it is raining heavily and there is a hole in the roof, it can cause a great deal of damage to your property.
Most roofs aren’t flat, so detecting a leak can be very challenging. The cramped, dark conditions in an attic can also pose risks and difficulties in spotting the issue.
Broken Pipe or Gutter
Broken pipes or gutters are a complete nuisance. They cause water leaks and increase your expenses. If you have sufficient knowledge, then you will notice the issue immediately. But not all have the eye and expertise to detect the cause of the damage.
Freezing, corrosion, irregular maintenance of pipes, etc. are major reasons for clogged pipes. The stagnation of rainwater or the overflow of water from your gutter can easily find its way into your home, resulting in water damage that can be very costly.
Also, if a sump pump stops working, that too can result in water damage.
Faulty Appliances
Appliances like water heaters, washing machines, and refrigerators can also lead to water damage if they are faulty or old. A leaking water hose from the boiler, washing machine, dishwasher, or refrigerator can drip water for weeks until it is repaired.
For instance, if the washing machine has rubber or PVC supply lines, they can easily wear out and break. This means the entire laundry room will be flooded in seconds if you don’t shut off the water valve in time.
Blocked Toilets
Clogged pipes, vent blockage (due to some debris), broken toilet parts (broken flush handle and a malfunctioning fill valve), etc. can cause septic tank overflow and sewer backup. A toilet overflow, like all water intrusion events, can cause devastating unseen damage to your home’s structure. The black water and gray water smell can create difficulties for you to breathe. Toilet waste may spread in your bathroom, making it extremely unhealthy.
Malfunctioning Air Conditioner
The malfunctioning air conditioning system is another cause of water damage in the house. The freezing of evaporator coils is a major reason why air conditioners lead to water damage. If the coil isn’t cleaned regularly, then a thick layer of dirt can deposit on the coil, which affects the heat exchange between your indoor air and the refrigerant. This can lead to subsequent freezing of the coil, which later starts dripping off and hence causes floods. A clogged drain line and a leak in the condensation pan can also cause water damage.
Natural Disasters
Storms, tornadoes, snowfall, torrential rain, earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, sprinkler system damage, etc., can lead to water damage and structural damage to the property.
Common Water Damage Risks
There are a lot of risks associated with water damage. Some of them are:
Property Damage
Water damage can cause immense property damage. The chairs, tables, wardrobes, flooring, ceiling fans, HVAC systems, etc. all get damaged due to water damage.
Toxic Health Risks
- Campylobacteriosis – caused by bacteria that cause diarrhea-like symptoms.
- Cryptosporidiosis – caused by a parasite that leads to bloody stools and vomiting.
- Dysentery and E. coli – caused by ingesting contaminated fecal water.
- Gastroenteritis or stomach flu – causes high fever, severe headaches, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea.
- Giardiasis – caused by the parasite Giardia, which is found in contaminated water (feces and urine) and soil.
- Hepatitis A – a liver disease that spreads from contaminated food and water.
- Salmonellosis – caused by bacteria salmonella leads to high fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- Typhoid fever – a bacterial disease that causes fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Mold Growth and Bacteria
Floodwater is known for causing mold growth. Mold can spread quickly on ceiling tiles, wood, paint and wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpets, upholstery, and even dust. The mold growth not just affects health but it makes your property look dingy.
Black Mold
Black mold growth is another outcome of water damage. It can lead to chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation of the eyes, mucous membranes of the nose and throat, and rashes on the skin. Hence, black mold can be very dangerous to your health. For this reason, contacting a mold remediation specialist is recommended.
Pests and Bug Infestation
When water damage occurs, pests and bugs will walk into your property. The sewage backup can bring some new uninvited guests, which bring with them new diseases.
Air Quality Danger
Many people don’t even know how water damage affects indoor air quality. When black or gray water saturates walls and ceilings, mold begins to grow, which eventually compromises the air quality of your house or office. During and after the water damage, bacteria and other harmful pollutants begin growing inside the home, which when inhaled can cause serious health problems.
Mental Health Vulnerability
Water damage due to a natural disaster or pipe burst can cause stress and affect one’s mental health. Also, when the damage affects the health of the family members, it can make things more severe.
Financial Risks
The most obvious outcome of water damage is increased financial risks. Broken pipes, clogged gutters or drains in the crawl spaces, malfunctioning plumbing systems, and a poor drainage system are major reasons for water damage. When any water damage occurs, one needs to spend a lot of money on cleanup, restoration, and repair. For instance, if the air conditioner gets damaged, it needs to be replaced, and if sewer lines get corroded, it needs to be changed.
Above all, if someone falls sick due to water damage, it also affects their mental peace. Even the strongest homes or offices are susceptible to water damage. A small leak in the roof and a small hole in the sewer lines can cause systemic damage to your property’s structure.
