Common Causes of Water Damage in the Home

Water damage is one of the most intimidating issues homeowners can face. It can ruin paint and siding, harm the walls and foundation of your home, and lead to other issues like pests or mold. Luckily, the right knowledge can prevent these serious issues. Understanding the common causes of water damage in the home helps you avoid leaks and flooding around your property.

Blocked Gutters

Your gutters help water drain safely away from your roof. When debris clogs the pipes and prevents them from draining properly, water pools on and around the roof, leading to ceiling leaks. Routine gutter maintenance, such as cleaning out your gutters in the spring and fall, prevents clogs and keeps your gutter system working efficiently.

Structural Damage

Structural damage—such as cracks in the foundation or walls—creates room for moisture to seep through the framework of your home. This can also cause structural damage like warped flooring or saggy ceilings. Water damage and structural damage exacerbate each other, so you should identify signs of structural damage in your home early on. This lets you act quickly to repair your home and eliminate the source of moisture, preventing worse problems in the future.

Clogged Drains

Many common causes of water damage in the home stem from plumbing issues, and many plumbing issues stem from clogged drains. If water can’t move through pipes effectively, it can lead to backups, overflow, and even broken pipes.

Luckily, you can easily identify clogged drains, and there are plenty of ways to prevent or fix the issue on your own. Using a drain strainer and cleaning your drain regularly prevents buildup. You can also break up clogs with boiling water or with the help of a professional plumber.

Appliance Damage

Broken appliances can also lead to water damage. Worn or broken parts, such as pipes, hoses, gaskets, and drains, can cause leaks, pooled water, and other issues. Water damage from appliances is particularly dangerous because it often also leads to wiring damage and electrical issues.

Prevent water damage from broken appliances by staying on top of maintenance for equipment like dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and HVAC units. Be proactive with cleaning and inspections to ensure that all the machine’s parts work effectively and there are no issues that could cause water damage down the line.