Common Home Water Damage Culprits

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Our team is always ready to help you after busted pipes or other water related issues.

If you think most water damage is caused by storms, think again. While severe weather and floods do damage millions of homes every year, insurance claims from pipes, water heaters and appliance failures outpace those caused by natural disasters.

How do we know? Companies like iProperty Management and home insurers research common claims. And they’ve found that water damage that’s not related to severe weather is the second most common claim homeowners file.

Water damage claims caused by issues in the home account for billions of dollars in damage every year. An estimate from 2017 found that insurance companies paid out $13 billion in water damage claims. And some of the property damaged can’t be valued at all—things like wedding photos, baby books and heirlooms that money can’t replace.

Tips for Protecting Your Home

Sometimes accidents happen, and careful people can still suffer water damage from an appliance malfunctioning or a pipe bursting. But you can lower your risk by taking part in preventive home maintenance.

Busted pipes are one of the biggest culprits for flooding inside a home. The good news is that most plumbing has a long lifespan. (Galvanized steel pipes can last up to 70 years.) But even if you’re in a new home with new plumbing, watch your water bill. Spikes in your bill can indicate there’s a leak somewhere in your home.

Water heaters can last for 10 to 20 years—and cause a lot of damage if they bust. Do you know how old your water heater is? Or how frequently it needs to be replaced? If not, it’s easy to find out by taking a look at the label on the unit.

Your kitchen appliances are staples you use every day. But they do cause water damage—especially dishwashers and refrigerator ice makers. You can watch for early signs of leaks by checking out your refrigerator’s water supply line when you clean behind it. Also, inspect your dishwasher occasionally to look for signs of water leakage.

What happens if you can’t catch the leak?

Even the most diligent homeowners can sometimes miss a leak. Accidents happen. And when they do, it’s important to have your home professionally cleaned to protect you and your loved ones from mold and other issues that can arise after a water leak. That’s where our team of experts can help you.

Our team is always ready to help you after busted pipes, water heater leaks or appliance malfunctions damage your home. We’re here to talk with you ²⁴⁄₇ if you need to learn more about our water restoration process.