You come home from a long day of work, and as you walk in the door you notice a strange smell. Upon further inspection, you realize that there's water leaking from the ceiling. What do you do?
If you're like most people, your first instinct is to call a plumber. And while that's a great start, it's not the only thing you should do. In fact, there are many hidden causes of water damage in the home that can be difficult to identify without the help of a professional.
In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most common causes of water damage in the home and provide tips on how to identify them. We'll also show you how to get started on repairing the damage yourself, and when it's time to call in the pros.
| Common Causes of Water Damage |
|---|
| Leakage From the Roof |
| Issues With Plumbing Fixtures |
| Malfunctioning Water Heater |
| Setup of Washing Machines and Dishwashers |
| Foundation Cracks and Poor Drainage |
Common Symptoms of Water Damage
Water damage is a sneaky thing. It can often go undetected for long periods of time, which can lead to costly repairs down the road. That's why it's important to be able to spot the common symptoms of water damage in your home.
What are some of those common symptoms? Well, water damage can cause ceilings to sag, walls to bow, and floors to buckle. You might also notice that your paint is peeling, or that your wood is rotting. If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to call in a professional right away to diagnose the root cause of the water damage and repair it before it gets worse.
Leakage From the Roof
The roof is one of the most important parts of the house, yet it's often one of the most neglected. This is especially true when it comes to water damage.
A lot of times, people only notice water damage when it's too late. By then, the damage has been done and the only thing to do is repair it. But what if you could catch the problem before it became a bigger issue?
One common source of water damage is leakage from the roof. If you don't regularly inspect your roof, you might not know there's a problem until it's too late. And even if you do spot a leak, it can be tough to track down its source.
That's why it's important to be proactive about roof inspection and maintenance. Make sure to check for any signs of wear and tear, and contact a qualified roofing contractor if you suspect there might be a problem.
Issues With Plumbing Fixtures
Water damage is often caused by plumbing fixtures that are not properly sealed or installed. For example, a leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water a day, and a faulty toilet can spew water all over the floor.
If you're experiencing water damage in your home, the first step is to diagnose the root cause. Check your plumbing fixtures for any signs of leaking, and have them repaired or replaced as necessary. Be sure to use only licensed and insured contractors for this type of work, to ensure that the job is done properly and to avoid any future problems.
Malfunctioning Water Heater
If you haven't been able to find the source of the water damage in your house, then you might want to take a look at your water heater. Unfortunately, many homeowners don't realize that a malfunctioning water heater can be the root cause of their water damage problems.
When your water heater isn't working properly, it can cause leaks or even burst pipes. This is because when the thermostat malfunctions or is too high, it can lead to an overheating situation and excessive pressure in the pipes.
That's why it's important to not only check on the temperature settings of your heater on a regular basis but also inspect for signs of wear and tear. Leaks near the base could indicate that something is wrong and that it needs to be repaired or replaced before further damage occurs.
Setup of Washing Machines and Dishwashers
We’ve all been in a rush when setting up our washing machines or dishwashers, but it’s important to take the time to do it properly the first time around. Otherwise, you could end up with water damage because of faulty installations.
Incorrectly installing a washer or dishwasher can lead to a variety of problems such as water leakage, improper drainage, or even water pressure issues. To ensure proper setup, make sure that the hoses and pipes are secured tightly and that the drain line is at least 12 inches above the floor. You should also check if there are any gaps in the door seal that could allow water to seep out.
It’s also essential to regularly check on these appliances for any signs of wear and tear such as loose hoses and pipes, cracked sealants around door frames, and damaged seals in fill hoses—all of which could cause major leaks down the road if left unnoticed.
Foundation Cracks and Poor Drainage
The foundation of your home is key in preventing water damage and should be inspected regularly to prevent any issues from going unnoticed. Foundation cracks can allow water to seep in and cause significant damage, so it's important to look out for them and repair them quickly.
Another issue that can cause water damage is poor drainage. Poorly pitched sidewalks, driveways, and other surfaces around your home can create puddles or force runoff towards your house. Make sure these surfaces are graded properly so that any runoff is directed away from your home.
Finally, don't forget your roof! Poorly sealed flashing or worn shingles can allow water to infiltrate the walls or ceilings of your home, leading to mold growth and long-term damage if not addressed quickly. Have a trusted professional inspect the roof periodically to make sure it's still in good shape and doesn't require any repairs or maintenance.
| Preventive Measures |
|---|
| Regular inspection and maintenance of the roof |
| Regularly check plumbing fixtures for any signs of leaking |
| Regularly check the temperature settings of the water heater and inspect for signs of wear and tear |
| Properly install washing machines and dishwashers and regularly check for signs of wear and tear |
| Regular inspection of the foundation |
| Ensure that surfaces around the home are properly graded to prevent water runoff towards the house. |
Conclusion
Water damage can be a huge headache and cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. It's important to be aware of the hidden causes of water damage in your home and take steps to prevent them. If you do experience water damage, it's important to diagnose the root cause and take steps to fix it.
Further Reading:
Keeping Your House Safe From Fire - Essential Steps for Home Fire Prevention