3 Most Common Causes of Water Damage

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen to anyone for a variety of reasons!

Each week, our team receives several phone calls from homeowners panicked by the amount of water in their home. For many of them, it’s a new experience—one they’re unsure how to handle. For us, it’s a routine we’re all too familiar with.

Water damage is a common issue many homeowners face at some point in their lives, yet many of us are caught off-guard. In a previous blog post, we briefly reviewed the steps you should take if you discover water damage in your home, but what exactly causes these incidents to happen? As the experts, we’re sharing some of the most common causes we see in Mooresville homes.

Pipe Damage

The plumbing system in our homes is as critical as it is convenient. We use water for a variety of purposes, such as flushing the toilet, washing dishes, and even taking a shower. But like anything else in your home, these pipes endure age and can have complications over time—such as having a leak or bursting.

There are several reasons your home’s water pipes can have damage, but the most common among these are high water pressure, having “hard” water, and freezing during winter months. Be sure to look into these issues and take any necessary steps to address them before you have gallons of water pouring into your home.

Appliance Issues

Though the plumbing system transports water, it’s often our appliances that end up using them. Refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines are some of the most commonly used appliances in the home, but they also tend to cause the most water damage issues.

As our appliances age, many of their parts wear down with use. Eventually, these critical parts lose their ability to function properly, which can cause water to leak during the appliance’s use. You can prevent these issues by keeping up with proper maintenance or replacing these appliances before their life expectancy ends.

Water Heater Leaks

The water heater plays an important role in your home as it allows you to have a much-desired, hot shower. Although we use our water heater every day, it’s not something we often think about—at least, not until it starts leaking gallons of hot water onto your floor.

Water heaters don’t last forever—typically between 6 and 13 years (check the label on your water heater to be sure). Beyond that, you’re just waiting for a disaster to happen. Check your heater for cracks or external damage on a routine basis during its life, then replace it once it’s over.

Hire Water Damage Professionals

While there are certainly other ways for your home to have water damage, the above are some of the most common that we encounter. Regardless, any incident can be stressful, which is why we encourage you to hire professionals who can get you back on your feet. Our team at SERVPRO of Iredell County is available 24/7, so if you have damage in the Statesville or Mooresville areas, call us anytime at (704) 872-7466!