1 in 60 insured homes makes a water damage claim each year. Each of these claims is worth an average of $11,605.
You can’t live without water. But if you have home water damage, you may feel like you can’t live with it.
The good news is that water damage comes from a few common sources. Once you identify the culprit, it is simple to troubleshoot and prevent new damage.
In this guide, we will help you do just that. So keep reading to learn more about preventing water from causing home damage.
Table of Contents
What Are the Most Common Causes of Home Water Damage?
The most common causes of home water damage are bad weather, clogged gutters, leaks, HVAC condensation, and blocked drains. Learn more about these five causes of water damage in the home next.
Bad Weather
Heavy rain, snow, and wind can easily damage your home’s roof. Water can seep through the shingles and into the deck, ultimately ending up inside your attic. Without correction, water damage eventually happens.
Additionally, hurricanes and other natural disasters can cause flood damage. There is often no way to prevent a flooded home in these situations.
Clogged Gutters
Even if your area does not get heavy rain, clogged gutters can allow even the lightest of sprinkles into your house.
Leaves, branches, and dirt block the water from flowing away from the home. Instead, the trapped water only has one place to go: over the edge of the gutters. The result is often ceiling and wall damage inside your house.
Leaks
It is estimated that the average American home wastes 1 trillion gallons of water each year due to leaks. Leaks in the home commonly come from:
- Appliances
- Water heaters
- Pipes
Leaks do not just waste water, either. You could be throwing hundreds of dollars in utility costs down the drain each year.
Mold growth on concrete is another significant concern associated with leaks. When moisture seeps into the concrete, it creates a damp environment that promotes mold growth. Mold spores can easily spread through the air, leading to potential health hazards. Therefore, it is crucial to address leaks promptly and effectively to prevent mold growth on concrete and safeguard your health and your wallet.
HVAC Condensation
HVAC units produce moisture when the air conditioner runs. Normally, this moisture drains away into a drain pan and then a condensate drain line.
Yet, when the pan breaks or overflows or the condensate line gets clogged, the moisture does not drain as intended. Instead, the water will start to leak around your AC unit, causing water damage to surrounding floors and walls.
Blocked Drains
Your condensate line is not the only drain that can cause water damage when blocked. Kitchen and bathroom sink drains and shower drains can back up, too, especially when hair, grease, and foreign objects get involved.
A clogged drain may not cause problems immediately. But over time, the blockage will get worse, increasing the risk of a flooded home.
To fortify your home against potential water damage, consider installing a catch basin. These efficient drainage systems collect excess water and prevent it from pooling around your property. By strategically placing catch basins in key areas, you can redirect water away from vulnerable spaces, safeguarding your home from potential flooding.
How to Prevent Home Damage from Water
Homeowners do not have to live in fear of water damage. You can prevent the most common causes of water damage from wreaking havoc in your home with the following tips.
Consider Your Basement
Basements are often the first areas in your home to experience water damage after a storm. This is especially true if excess water does not drain away from your foundation the way it is supposed to.
If you suspect this is the culprit of water damage in your home, repair your current drainage system or install a new one. You can also consider a backwater valve if you think sewage is the problem.
Preventing basement flooding through waterproofing measures is essential for homeowners seeking to safeguard their property against water damage. It is crucial to identify and address any existing foundation cracks or gaps, as these can serve as entry points for water. Installing a reliable interior drain tile system, with a sump pump, helps collect and divert water away from the basement, preventing it from pooling and causing flooding. Exterior waterproofing methods such as applying a waterproof membrane or coating to the foundation walls create a barrier against water intrusion.
Finally, consider getting your basement waterproofed. A whopping 98% of US basements experience water damage at one point or another.
Waterproofing prevents stormwater and other sources of moisture from seeping into your foundation. Learn more about the interior basement waterproofing cost at this link.
Cracks in concrete floor are often overlooked but can be significant sources of water intrusion. They can allow water from the surrounding soil to seep into the basement, leading to moisture issues and potential mold growth. It is important to inspect the concrete floor regularly and seal any cracks or gaps with an appropriate sealant to prevent water from entering.
Clean Your Gutters
One of the easiest ways to prevent water from damaging your roof and getting inside your home is to keep your gutters clean and clear of debris. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris from piling up in the future.
Another place to look for problems is your downspouts. Downspouts direct water away from your home, but they can get clogged. Clean downspouts regularly to prevent water from backing up.
A roof inspection wouldn’t hurt, either. Check for missing or damaged shingles, and remember that roofs need replacing every twenty years or so. Should your roof require repair or replacement, or if you’re in need of gutter and downpipe replacement, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a worthwhile investment in quality service.
Look for Leaks and Blocked Drains Frequently
Incorporate inspections into your monthly home maintenance routine. That way, you can identify leaks at the get-go and prevent costly water damage in your home.
First, inspect household appliances. Focus on appliances that are often sources of leaks, including washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and refrigerators.
Then, move onto your drains. Ensure water drains properly throughout your home. If it takes a long time to drain or you have standing water in tubs and sinks, this could be a sign of a clog.
You can identify leaky pipes with visible water puddles but also monitor your water bill. Significant fluctuations in your monthly bill could indicate a hidden leak. Leak monitoring devices can also alert you to potential leaks.
Get Regular HVAC Maintenance
Ideally, you should have someone inspect your HVAC system every year. A professional can identify issues with the drain pan or condensate line that you might have missed during your own home inspection.
If you live in a very hot climate, pay special attention to your AC unit in the summertime. The harder your AC unit works to cool your home, the more condensation it will produce and the higher the chances of a leak.
Watch your unit closely for leaks during the summertime. That way, you can get the problem fixed ASAP and prevent costly water damage to your beautiful home.
Don’t Let Water Damage Ruin Your Home
Home water damage can be costly when left unchecked. Using this guide, you can identify potential sources of water damage in your home and prevent them from causing even more problems in the future.
Crawl Space Encapsulation is a proactive solution that can significantly contribute to safeguarding your home against water damage. By encapsulating your crawl space, you create a barrier that prevents moisture from seeping into the foundation of your home. This is crucial because excess moisture in the crawl space can lead to various issues, such as mold growth and structural damage.
Are you searching for more home safety and improvement advice? You’ve come to the right place. Keep scrolling for articles just like this one!
