Water Damage Causes

1/13/2023 (Permalink)

Water Damage can show up in many different ways. There are few things as structurally damaging as a flood. And, unfortunately, even homes which are not located in ‘at risk’ areas can find themselves dealing with far too much water. If plumbing fixtures burst, the results are much the same, so steps must be taken to protect a home from plumbing failures.

We tend to take the plumbing system which moves water inside our homes for granted. However, when it breaks down, action must quickly be taken. The best solution is always prevention. Inspection and maintenance are the keys to troubleshooting and identifying problems, as well as understanding what is required to fix them. SERVPRO offers some information and suggestions to help you prevent water damage to your home.

Top Tips for Avoiding Leaks & Water Damage
Clean Gutters Regularly: it is not enough to just install high-quality gutters, they must remain free of leaves and debris. Rainwater collected in the gutters needs an unobstructed passage to reach the downspouts. It must then flow at least five feet away from the foundation and exterior walls freely.

Install a Sump Pump: if you live in a very wet or low-lying area. It is surprisingly easy for basements to become flooded during heavy rains or appliance failures. As the unwanted water collects in the sump pump catchment, it can be drained to the exterior of the building.

Appliance Malfunctions: electrical appliances like dishwashers and washing machines are supplied with water under pressure. Frequently the fittings will corrode over time initiating a pinhole leak that eventually ruptures the supply line. Plastic drainage hoses will dry out and crack after extended use. Replace them with reinforced hoses before this happens.

Invest In Shut Off Switches: if you do use your dishwasher and washing machine very frequently, it's practical to invest in a water ‘shut off’ switch. If a washing machine cannot be instantly turned off during an emergency, a shut off switch can be used to override its settings and shut everything down immediately. These switches can be applied to single appliances or installed in the main water supply line.

Treat Pipes Carefully: burst pipes are the most common cause of household floods. This means no pouring oil or grease down a drain, leaving central heating on the lowest setting when away from home in the winter, and keeping a close eye on water pressure. If the water pressure in your home is above the advised psi for your area of Beverly Hills, seek advice from your water utility.

Finding Reliable Water Restoration Services

If you have found a leak or identified the presence of water damage in you property, you need to take steps to repair it as soon as possible. Easy enough. Just pick up the phone and call the experts at SERVPRO. The skilled IICRC-certified technicians will remove the water using industrial grade equipment, dry out water damaged items and restore your home to its preloss state "Like it never even happened."

Highly-Trained Water Restoration Specialists

As leaders in the water damage industry, SERVPRO of North Prince William has advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. Call us for fire or water damage emergencies in North Prince William, VA for 24/7 service. (703)368-4399