The Causes and Risks of Water Damage
Even a small amount of water in the wrong place can do extensive damage to your property—and it can do it fast. Worse, some sources of water damage are difficult to spot and can go unnoticed until severe damage is done.
Understanding the causes and risks of water damage can go a long way toward helping you safeguard your home or business. Here’s an overview of the most common causes of water damage, water damage risks, and what to do if you have water damage from the experts at SERVPRO of Grapevine.
What Are the Causes of Water Damage?
A long list of things can cause water damage. While properties that are not well ventilated or maintained are more susceptible to water damage, in some cases, environmental incidents that are out of your control can be to blame, such as heavy rains. Some of the more common causes include:
1. Blocked drains
Dirt, hair, grease buildup, and foreign objects like toys are common obstructions in drains in bathtubs, kitchen sinks, and toilets, impeding normal drainage. If not handled quickly, blocked drains often back up, causing flooding and water damage.
2. Leaking pipes
The damage that leaking pipes cause can be significant, whether it’s a loose-fitting pipe in the kitchen sink, a leaking drainage pipe, a broken plumbing supply line, or a cracked pipe in your foundation. Pipe damage is typically the least likely to be discovered unless it’s a large leak, which can lead to prolonged moisture and mold.
3. Clogged gutters
Gutters can quickly end up blocked by branches, leaves, pine needles, or other debris that prevents rainwater from flowing away from your property. This water ends up overflowing the gutters' edges, running down the sides of your building, and causing damage to foundation walls, floors, and the ceiling.
4. Severe Weather
While severe weather such as hurricanes and thunderstorms don’t happen daily in Texas, the state has experienced more than its share in recent years. When they do occur, these weather events can contribute to considerable water damage. The large amounts of rainwater, coupled with strong winds, often lead to flooding and can damage your roof, leaving your home’s interior unprotected.
Water Damage Risks
If left unresolved, water damage poses numerous risks and can not only destroy your property but also have a profound impact on your health and finances.
Property Damage
Destruction of property is the most immediate risk of water damage. Besides affecting your property’s structure, such as flooring and drywall, water can also quickly damage family heirlooms, furniture, rugs, carpets, electronics, clothing, and essential documents.
Health Risks
Unaddressed water damage can also pose health risks because bacteria and mold thrive in damp conditions. Their increased presence creates unsanitary living conditions that could be a significant threat to children, senior citizens, and those with compromised immune systems. In certain climate zones, standing water is also a breeding ground for pests like mosquitos.
Financial Risks
The costs of repairing water damage or treating the illnesses that develop as a result of water damage can quickly multiply. On top of the direct costs, the property damage, loss of possessions, and the occurrence of illnesses can interrupt your or other household member’s work schedule, impeding earning potential.
Responding to Water Damage
The quicker you respond to water damage, the less extensive the damage is likely to be. On the other hand, ignoring water damage could easily lead to further damage, ultimately forcing you to incur more costs when trying to remedy the situation.
Here are several actions you can take when responding to water damage:
- Switch off the electricity in the impacted areas.
- Stop the leak at the source, and if possible, remove standing water.
- Check for mold.
- Remove valuable or possessions that can be rescued.
- Assess and document the damage caused, and contact your insurance company.
- Contact water restoration companies and arrange for mold removal, commercial cleaning service, and an air duct cleaning service.
Why SERVPRO?
SERVPRO of Grapevine has served Keller, Texas, and the surrounding areas since 1967. With extensive experience in all aspects of water damage restoration and cleanup, they can minimize your losses, while making the process as stress-free as possible.
For more information about water damage restoration and its cleanup, contact SERVPRO of Grapevine.
