Water damage can make living conditions in your Missoula home less than ideal. By the time most homeowners discover the water, the damage has already been done. To help keep homeowners informed, aware, and proactive about water damage, the water damage cleanup experts at Five Valleys Restoration have come up with a list of the most common sources of water damage in homes. Here are just a few:
It is important to check that all the fittings on your washing machine are secure and connected correctly. The water house should be checked regularly, and should be replaced periodically to avoid loss of integrity. Keeping the hose secure and in good shape will prevent leaks. If you notice any water leaking from your washing machine, get it checked immediately. Be sure to use the suggested detergent, and do not overfill your washing machine.
The water hose that supplies the dishwasher can spring leaks, or its connections can become loose and compromised. Using the wrong soap, too much soap, or overfilling the dishwasher can cause strain and water leaks. Drains in the dishwasher can become clogged, and can cause water to backup and overflow. Make sure your dishwasher is clean and clear from any buildup, and follow the manufacturers recommendations for usage and maintenance.
Water heaters are continually filling themselves so that a constant supply of hot water is available. If the pressure gets too high inside the water tank, or if build-up of minerals has caused extensive corrosion, water heaters will begin to leak. These leaks cause serious damage because they do not stop until water has been shut off. Because of the continuous supply of water, water heaters are common causes of major floods and water damage in homes.
Any time a drain gets clogged, it causes water to back up. The pressure that builds from backed up water can cause bursts or overflow. Since many clogs come from the toilet, sewage backup can occur, which is extremely dangerous for your health. When the kitchen drains back up, you can have overflow onto floors and under cabinets. If you are experiencing frequent drain clogs, or really slow drainage, call a professional so that you can avoid water backing up into your home.
Pipes can erode over time and since they constantly house water, leaks and bursts are bound to occur. Leaky pipes can waste a lot of water each year, and eventually lead to pooling and flooding. Do not wait to get leaky pipes fixed. Water damage gets more and more serious the longer it is present, so getting it resolved quickly is key in mitigating damage. If you are worried about the integrity of your pipes, get them checked by a professional and replace any old or corroded parts. You should also monitor the water pressure in your pipes; too much pressure will cause unnecessary stress on pipes and can lead to bursts.
There are so many potential sources of water damage in our homes, it is no wonder that water damage disasters are the leading cause of home insurance claims every year. By being aware of potential sources, we can take the proper care and maintenance steps to help prevent water damage from occurring in the first place. That being said, if you do need water damage cleanup in Missoula, Five Valleys Restoration and Cleaning is here for you.
