The Top 5 Reasons for Water Damage

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Big Rapids/Fremont is here to help with all of your water damage needs! (231) 796-2342

Nobody wants to deal with water damage, so it’s a relief to hear that in more than 90% of cases, water damage is preventable! Keep reading to learn the top 5 reasons for water damage at home, and what you can do to prevent it. 

• Plumbing Issues

Water damage and plumbing issues seem to go hand in hand. To keep plumbing issues at bay, make sure you regularly check the plumbing systems in your home at least once a year. According to Hippo.com, “It’s important to inspect the plumbing systems in your home at least once a year to ensure that there aren’t any problems with hoses or pipe joints. You should also keep in mind that plumbing pipes have a long lifespan. Brass pipes can last for as many as 70 years while copper pipes can last for more than 50 years. The average lifespan for galvanized steel pipes is often between 20 and 50 years.” https://www.hippo.com/blog/top-5-reasons-water-damage-house

• Washing machine leak 

Washing machine leaks can cause major damage to your home. Make sure you regularly check the supply hose for any damage or detachment issues to save you a lot of heartache in the future! According to hippo.com, ideally, you should change your supply hose at least every 5 years. Additionally, try not to over stuff your laundry machine. “Constantly stuffing too many clothes into your washing machine could loosen gaskets and valves or cause cracks. Take good care of your washing machine and your washing machine will take good care of you.” https://www.hippo.com/blog/top-5-reasons-water-damage-house

 Bursting Water Pipes

When temperatures drop during winter months, it’s not uncommon for pipes to freeze and burst. We all know how cold Michigan can get, so protecting our pipes is crucial! An easy way to protect pipes from the cold is to use heat tape or pipe sleeves on both hot and cold water pipes. If you have water supply lines in your garage, keep your garage door shut as much as possible!

Aging water heaters

Like all household equipment, water heaters have a shelf life. Sure, you could wait until yours starts leaking to replace it, but if you’re trying to avoid water damage, it’s best to replace it every ten years. 

 Blustery Weather

Snow is beautiful to look at, but if your home isn’t prepared for it, a snowstorm could cause major damage. To prepare your home for winter, make sure your rain spouts and gutters are clean. It’s also smart to check windows and doors to make sure the caulking didn’t crack. Lastly, ice dams can ruin your roof if not taken care of. According to Hippo.com, “If it snows where you live, be wary about the formation of ice dams on your roof. This happens when the heat inside your home causes water to melt in the middle of your roof. The water then refreezes near the edges, forming a dam that prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. The water that backs up can leak into your home and damage ceilings, walls and other areas of your home. To prevent ice dams from forming, insulate your attic to keep heat from rising and reaching the roof.”

Well there you have it! The top 5 most common reasons for water damage in your home! With regular maintenance, these issues are usually preventable. However, if you find yourself dealing with water damage in your home, give us a call! We are here to help you with all of your water damage needs!