3 Causes of Household Water Damage and How to Fix Water Leaks

Water damage is one of the most common and costly issues that homeowners face. If left unchecked, water leaks can cause serious damage to walls, floors, furniture, and other possessions as well as create a hazardous environment for you and your family.  Understanding the three main causes of household water damage – plumbing system failure, improper drainage or runoff from outdoor areas, and natural disasters – can help you take preventive measures to protect your home from potential harm. Additionally, learning how to fix these problems quickly will minimize any long-term consequences associated with them.  With the right knowledge at hand, you can ensure that your house remains safe and dry even when faced with an unexpected emergency situation.

Plumbing System Failure

Plumbing system failure is one of the most common causes of household water damage. This type of plumbing problem occurs when a pipe, drain, or fixture has become blocked due to debris, corrosion, or mineral buildup. When this happens, water can no longer properly flow through the pipes and can cause pressure to build up. If left unchecked, this pressure can cause the pipes to burst and lead to extensive water damage.  To prevent this type of plumbing failure, it is important to have regular maintenance done on your home’s plumbing system. Additionally, when you notice any signs of wear or damage on a particular pipe or fixture, be sure to have it repaired as soon as possible.

Improper Drainage or Runoff from Outdoor Areas

Improper drainage or runoff from outdoor areas is another common cause of household water damage. If a property does not have adequate drainage, water can build up around the foundation and eventually seep into basements or crawl spaces. This can lead to extensive damage to walls, floors, furniture, and possessions stored in these areas of the home.  To prevent this type of water damage, it is important to regularly check your gutters and downspouts to make sure that they are free of debris so that water can flow properly away from your home. Additionally, you should also consider installing a sump pump system if necessary.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters such as heavy storms, floods, hurricanes, and even earthquakes can cause serious damage to homes due to overflowing water. In the event of a natural disaster, water can quickly overflow from rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water onto nearby homes and cause extensive damage. Homeowners need to take extra precautions if they live in areas prone to natural disasters.  Installing flood barriers such as sandbags, plastic sheeting, or even metal walls can help protect your home from the threat of water damage during a natural disaster.

West Coast Fire & Water Can Help with Water Damage

Water damage can be a major problem for homeowners, but it is important to know the three main causes of household water damage and how to fix them. By taking preventive measures such as regular maintenance on your plumbing system, clearing gutters and downspouts of debris, and installing flood barriers in areas prone to natural disasters you can protect your home from potential harm. If you do experience any type of household water damage due to plumbing system failure, improper drainage or runoff, or natural disasters in Marin County, contact West Coast Fire & Water at 415-499-9000, an experienced water damage restoration company, right away so that they can assess the situation and start working on repairing any damages quickly. With their help, you will be able to restore your home back to its original condition without having to worry about the lasting effects associated with water leaks.