While water is essential to humans, in homes it is the culprit of many common causes of household water damage.

Water can seep into almost all materials and with enough time, can destroy them. For instance, drywalls and particleboards may stain and eventually weaken when soaked in water. Tiles and hardwood flooring may show signs of mold growth and stains. 

Water damage at home can be a serious issue. To protect your property and save money on repairs, it’s important to know the common causes of water damage and how to prevent it. This article will help you understand and address these concerns.

The Most Common Causes Of Household Water Damage

1. Leaky Roof

A leaky roof is one of the most common causes of household water damage in homes. It is a result of damaged materials like shingles, decking, and siding.

When rainwater or melted snow creeps into these damaged materials, will result to serve structural damage and even mold growth.

What is even worse about a leaky roof is it can go unnoticed for a long time. By the time you noticed it, it has already caused significant damage to your property. 

Make sure to perform a visual inspection of your roof at least twice a year and do the repairs immediately if necessary. Look for signs of water damage like stains, mold growth, and weakened building materials.

2. Clogged Gutters

Along with a leaky roof, clogged gutters can also cause water to penetrate on the inside of your home. Gutters can become clogged because of accumulated leaves, twigs, and other debris.

When the gutters are clogged, rainwater or snowmelt will not flow freely to the downspouts and away from your home. Instead, the water will overflow to the edges of the gutters and accumulate to the side of your home’s foundation. 

Inspect and clean your gutters and even your downspouts to ensure that they are free from any blockage. You can also add gutter protection to prevent the buildup of debris.

Also, make sure that the water is channeled at least 6 feet away from the foundation of your home. 

3. Leaking Pipes

Another frequent reason for household water damage in homes is due to leaky pipes. This can be a cause of too much water pressure, temperature changes, and deterioration of an old pipe.

This problem can also go unnoticed for a long time and may lead to damage to your cabinets and flooring. 

If you notice a sudden rise in your water bill that doesn’t seem right, there may be a leak. It’s crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage. Take the time to inspect the pipes under your sinks at least once a month.

4. Appliance Malfunctioned

As household appliances age, their pipes and hoses can also deteriorate. Appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters, and dishwashers are prone to this deterioration, which can lead to leaks.

Among these appliances, washing machines and water heaters are the most common culprits of household water damage.

Inspect these appliances at least twice a year to see signs of damage. Replace the parts if needed and repair the damage immediately.

With proper maintenance of these machines, you can keep yourself from dealing with serious water damage in the long run. 

5. Clogged Drains

A clogged drain is one of the worst scenarios a homeowner has to deal with. Not only you will have an unfunctional sink or tub or toilet, but you will most likely experience water backup and overflows.

Naturally, water will escape through cracked caulking and pipe threads. When this happens, water will seep into your home and eventually cause damage to nearby areas. 

If you are often experiencing clogged drains, seek professional help. They will be able to help you solve the problem and keep you from dealing with household water damage because of a clogged drain.

6. Sewage Backup

A sewage backup is caused by severe rainstorms or blockage in the sewer lines. Water can get pushed back into your home, causing serious water damage and health risks as it contains pathogens and contaminants.

Proper disposal of certain items can help prevent sewage backup.

We, at Superior Restoration, offer emergency cleanup and water damage restoration services. We have a team of professionals ready and equipped to deal with any size of the disaster.

Contact our local office today, Water Damage Riverside, to know more about our restoration services.