Common Causes Of Indoor Water Damage

Posted by All Brite Cleaning & Restoration, Inc. on March 4th, 2020

According to the EPA, the average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home. Roughly 70 percent of this use occurs indoors. We clean our homes, wash our bodies, flush toilets and run appliances that use water. Unfortunately, this water can spill from the hoses and appliances and cause significant water damage to the interiors of our Concord homes and possessions. There are more common causes of indoor water damage:

Worn Or Faulty Hot Water Heaters

Modern homes have the luxury of hot water whenever we want it, and a lot of it. The most common water heater capacities are 40 and 60 gallons, but go up to 100 gallons. And many US houses have more than one hot water heater. That is a lot of room for potential water damage.

Most water heater failures occur when the water heater has reached its life expectancy and the tank begins to rust and corrode. The majority of water heater failures involve a leaking many of those gallons down your walls, onto your floors and under your carpet. Proper maintenance, including inspecting the water heater’s anode rod and flushing sediment from the tank, can delay the need to replace a water heater. Our team can help clean up immediately if it does burst.

HVAC Drain Lines

In our Concord summers, our A/Cs can work constantly. Bacteria and grime can collect in, clog up, and overflow from the water lines. HVAC units are located “out of sight, out of mind,” and condensation line leak up in the attic or in the backyard could go unnoticed until you see a ceiling stain.

Three main causes lead to system failure and ceiling leaks:

A cracked or damaged overflow pan will leak.

A clogged filter will cause ice to form on the unit’s evaporator coils, and when that ice melts, it drips water.

A stopped-up condensation line clogged with slimy bacteria or debris will back up and flood.

Your HVAC company will repair the unit but you’ll need a professional water damage cleanup team to inspect for mold and restore any damage to your home.

Clogged Gutters

Well designed (and maintained) gutter systems and downspouts can effectively protect the home. Downspouts are designed to take the water from the gutters and carry it away from the building. One common issue is when they become clogged they cause the water to back up (or leak out of a seam). During rain storms, check the flow;  is it running easily out of the down spout? If puddles are collecting it is a good idea to add an extender or dig a trench to ensure the water runs away from the building.

Toilet Overflows and Broken Pipes

Don’t overwork your toilet and always inspect the connections and pipes, as many problems result from leaks or complete breaks in the pipes. The places where two pipes join are the most vulnerable, so frequently test valves for your toilet, shower, and sink to ensure they are properly working.

Leak detection systems can be invaluable as well. Passive leak detection systems are relatively inexpensive and will sound an alarm when they sense a leak. Active leak detection systems give you an alarm and can act to stop the leak itself.

Roofing

Make sure you’re checking your roof regularly. When the drainage isn’t working effectively, every inch of water weighs about five pounds, causing strain that  leads to leaks. Check for damage to your perimeter flashing, roof membrane or roof penetrations like drains, pipes and gas lines. Over time, these important safety measures can deteriorate, leaving you with a minefield of potential hazards.

Guaranteed Results For Water Damage In Concord

All Brite Cleaning & Restoration, Inc. provides cutting edge technology and outstanding service experience when your property suffers from water damage. Every job comes with our 100% risk-free guarantee. If you are not happy with our work, we will come back and redo it for free. And if a spot reappears after we have left, just give us a call within 30 days and we’ll come back and fix it – no hassle and no charge. Still not satisfied? We will give you your money back.