Every year in the United States, homeowners pay more than $12,500 for water damage, with insurance companies incurring approximately $13 billion in annual costs. Water can do more than just surface damage, affecting your home's structural components or destroying the most valuable items.
Anyone who has experienced this understands the feeling. That emotion of dread, uncertainty, and rage when unanticipated harm occurs in your beloved location, home. The last place you want to bring your stress is home.
This article will discuss some of the early signs of water damage, followed by a section on proactive strategies for preventing water damage in the first place.
Mold or Mildew
One of the early signs of water damage is mold streaks and mildew on your walls. And both thrive in moist conditions. Should you notice gray, white, black, or green spots on your walls, mold has likely taken hold. This expansion may bring health hazards, such as pulmonary issues and breathing difficulties. Besides, it can also cause wood rot and structural damage throughout your home.
That said, mold experts can handle the removal while assisting you in creating a dry environment to keep mold from returning or growing in the first place.
Plumbing Issues
Water damage is frequently caused by plumbing troubles, and the reasons are quite apparent - out of sight and out of memory.
That is why it is critical to evaluate your home's plumbing systems at least once a year to verify that hoses and pipe couplings are in good working order. While checking, keep in mind that water pipelines have a limited lifespan. Brass pipes can survive up to 70 years, and copper pipes can last for over 50 years.
Galvanized steel pipes have an average lifespan of 20 to 50 years, whereas drain pipes are typically composed of cast iron (which can last up to 100 years) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Properly maintained PVC pipes can last indefinitely. The age of your pipes should be considered during any inspection, as well as while training any qualified plumber if you decide to seek professional assistance.
Moreover, keep an eye out for loose tiles. If your dishwasher or refrigerator has a water line, check for warped or discolored floors.
Condensation In Windows
This one is less prevalent in homes and offices, but if you see it, administer it immediately. Condensation within your windows indicates extra moisture in the air reacting to the temperature difference inside your home.
Enough moisture to induce condensation is an issue. It could signify that water is trapped inside your walls or ceiling, or that water is regularly leaking into your home through an opening. As a result, it is advisable to have someone analyze the situation as soon as you see the condensation.
Burst Water Pipes
During extremely cold winters, pipes might freeze and explode. This is more likely to occur if you have a particular type installed, such as swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, or pipes with little insulation that run against external walls. If temperatures in your area tend to freeze, be sure your pipes are protected.
Insulate both hot and cold-water pipes using heat tape or pipe sleeves from local home improvement stores. If you have water supply lines in your garage, keep the door closed as much as possible. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to enable warmer air to circulate. If you want to spend time away from your house, leave the heat on and set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees.
You have no control over the weather, but you may very well battle hard to rescue your pipes.
Inclement Weather
Snow may appear picture-worthy. However, if your home is not waterproof, a severe snowstorm could damage the roof, walls, and ceiling.
Consequently, prepare your home for adverse weather by cleaning your rain gutters and downspouts. You should also inspect doors and windows to ensure that the caulking or sealing is not broken or damaged.
If it snows frequently where you live, be cautious of ice dams on your roof. This occurs when the heat from inside your home causes water to melt in the center of your roof.
The water then refreezes around the borders, creating a dam that keeps melting snow from draining from the roof.
Besides, backup water can pour into your home, causing damage to the ceilings, walls, and other areas. To avoid ice dams, insulate your attic to limit heat from rising and hitting the roof.
Other Proposed Preventive Measures
Water damage can lead to structural damage and cost thousands of dollars to restore. While learning how to spot water damage is critical, understanding what to do when it occurs may save you a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run.
If water damage has occurred in your home or commercial facility, here are some things you can do to prevent further damage and protect against harmful mildew and bacteria.
- If you uncover a water leak or a source of water damage, you must act promptly. Water damage can cause serious structural problems over time, resulting in hazardous living conditions and costly home upgrades.
- Remove dogs, children, and any accessible valuables from the home or building, especially if the damage is severe.
- Turn off the breaker box, but only in a dry area of the house. If the breaker box is close to water damage, contact your utility company and request that the electricity be shut off on their end.
- Contact your insurance company to discuss the magnitude of the water damage.
- Once it's verified that it's safe to reenter the home or structure, the sooner you can start cleaning up and restoring water damage, the better.
- Contact a water damage restoration professional within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth and significant structural damage. Calling a professional restoration services business is the best way to determine the degree of the water damage and how much work is required to make your property habitable again.
The Bottom Line
Addressing the stated early signs ASAP is critical for avoiding further damage and reducing the chance of mold growth. Even when standing water is removed, moisture can remain in walls, floors, and ceilings. The longer it is left alone, the greater the extent and cost of the damage.
The stored moisture degrades structural components of your home, such as drywall and flooring, resulting in warped wood and peeling paint. Taking immediate action allows you to prevent further damage to your property by limiting the spread of water and reducing the current issue. If not, the water just weakens the materials and provides a great environment for mold to thrive.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aleksandra Djurdjevic
Senior Content Creator
Aleksandra Djurdjevic is a senior writer and editor, covering jewelry, accessories, and trends. She’s also works with services, home décor. She has previously worked as ESL teacher for English Tochka. Aleksandra graduated from the Comparative Literature department at the Faculty of Philosophy in Serbia. Aleksandra’s love for the environment, crafts and natural products over the years helps her continue to be a top expert at Wooden Earth.
