As everybody knows the presence of water is crucial to our natural ecosystems, as well as for modern society to function properly. However, water damage has disastrous consequences for any homeowner. Water damage can quickly destroy one’s house and other prized possessions inside it. Worse, it can even cause health issues in the long run since water damage can easily lead to the growth of mold. This is why we want to discuss how to prevent water damage and ensure your home and family’s protection.
Water And Our Homes
Of course we need to avoid water damage. Water damage isn’t just floods, hurricanes, or other extreme weather events. Leaks in your plumbing or sprinkler system can cause slow, quiet water damage. Unknown water damage can occur anywhere in your home.
Water damage may be avoided by taking preventative actions. You can perform these precautionary actions on your own.
First, let us first discuss the different kinds of water damage, how does water damage happen, and its adverse effects. Knowing this information is crucial since this will aid you while looking for the signs of possible water damage in your home.
Just because you think you’re in a flood-free area your home is safe from water damage.
Read about Water Backup and Flood Coverage here.
Different Kinds of Water Damage
Water damage varies by source. Depending on the kind of water, there are three classifications.
Clean Water Damage
First, clean water damage is due to something as simple as a leaky faucet or damaged water line. Too much water can cause mold development, which is harmful to your health.
Gray Water
Second, Gray water is water contamination by damaged sewers, detergent, soap, etc. Consequently, this is a severe issue since polluted water stimulates bacterial development. Gray water might become category 3 water damage if left too long. Avoid this water as much as possible and call a professional to remove it from your home.
Black Water
Third, black water damage is unhealthy and unclean. Black water contains hazardous chemicals, pesticides, sewage, and other contaminants. Bacteria and chemicals are invisible to the human eye, therefore polluted water may look “clean”. If this sort invades your home, call a specialist immediately.
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Negative Effects of Water Damage
Homeowners fear a house fire. Installing a sprinkler system and smoke detectors is commonplace. Water may harm properties much as fire. Water damage may cause property damage and health problems.
Structural Damage
First, water damages structures. When water penetrates your home’s foundation, it weakens the supporting materials. The house begins to sink, making it unsafe to live in. Flooding or a major water leak can cause structural damage to your home.
Destruction Of Your Household Personal
Second, household and personal items are destroyed. Water can easily damage furniture and electronics. Just thinking about replacing or repairing these items is stressful. Water damage can also destroy your photo albums, documents, and other valuables.
Wirings and Electric Equipment
Third, wirings and electric equipment are harmed. Water and electricity don’t mix; it’s fatal. Water leaking into your home may damage electric wirings and equipment, which is expensive to replace. Electrocution is also a major hazard to everyone in the home.
Mold Growth
Fourth, mold growth. Water damage encourages bacterial and fungal development. Molds may start growing in your house in days if there is enough moisture. Mold development may cause allergic responses, breathing issues, respiratory ailments, and more owing to its poisonous nature.
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Causes of Water Damage
Water damage can usually occur silently, making it hard for anyone to detect. That is why it is essential to know what are the common causes of water damage. So that you can easily discover possible deterioration in your house immediately and know how to prevent water damage.
Extreme Weather
Extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, intense flooding, and snow are usual causes of water damage. Hurricanes and intense rain can cause flooding in your house which results in various property damage and health risks. Moreover, severe snowfall during wintertime can lead to burst pipes in homes, especially if your house is not weatherproof.
Leaky Pipes
Another cause is leaking pipes in homes, usually in the bathroom and kitchen areas. In addition to this, problems in the plumbing system also cause water damage as they are usually prone to leaks. This kind of leak usually goes unnoticed since pipes are hidden behind the walls and the ceiling.
Home Appliance Leaks
Finally, leaks from household appliances are another cause of water damage. Appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and air conditioners all use water that can easily leak over time.
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Always Be Alert: Signs of Water Damage in your Home
After knowing the possible causes of water damage, it is now time for you to know its signs so that you can immediately fix it before anything gets serious.
Discoloration
Discoloration on your ceiling or walls indicates water damage. Wet patches in these areas may indicate a plumbing leak. Walls that are bubbling, flaking, or peeling may be leaking water.
Funky Odors
Musty or moldy odors are another indicator. Mold causes this fragrance. Molds and mildew grow in moist, damp places. Mold development in a property may indicate a water leak.
Sound of Water
Running water is another sign of a water leak in your home. Leaks can often be heard but not seen. Be aware of running water or dripping sounds at night. If you hear these sounds, investigate and track their source to prevent further water damage.
Huge Water Bills
Your water bill may indicate water damage. If your water bill is high, you may have a leak. If you suspect water damage, checking your water bill might assist.
Early Detection
Early detection of these water damage signs is key to protecting your home. Preventing water damage is the best way to secure your home.
Minimize Risks with Home Insurance
Hurricanes, floods, and accidents may strike anytime. These steps are crucial, but occasionally water damage can’t be avoided, particularly in natural disasters. We must safeguard our properties from water damage. Get home insurance to safeguard your property and money against water damage. Home insurance covers water-related damages and protects your personal goods.
Water Damage Inclusions in Home Insurance
Water damage is often covered by homeowner’s insurance if it occurs suddenly within the home. The water damage must have been caused by one of the sixteen risks normally covered by homeowner’s insurance, such as the sudden ripping, cracking, burning, or bulging of a steam, heating, AC, or automatic fire prevention system.
Water Damage Exclusions in Home Insurance
In the absence of an accident or other unforeseen circumstance, water damage may not be covered by your homeowner’s policy. If water damage occurs due to your neglect or lack of upkeep, the bill will fall on your shoulders. Water damage caused by seepage in the ground, backed-up water or sewage pipes, floods, or leaking pipes is often not covered by homes insurance.
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Tips and Tricks to Avoid Water Damage
Here are important tips and tricks on how to prevent water damage:
- Be aware of where your main water supply comes from. Verify its functionality and fix any problems you notice. In this vein, it’s crucial that you know where your home’s main water shut-off is located. This way, if a pipe bursts or a water appliance springs a leak, you can simply shut off the main water supply.
- If you happen to be a resident of a region that frequently experiences hurricanes and heavy snowfall. Weatherproof your property to prevent burst pipes that might flood it.
- Check your washing machine, air conditioner, and refrigerator for leaks regularly. For peace of mind, hire a professional.
- Check your plumbing for leaks. Check for damage. If pipes have corrosion, fractures, or other damage, repair them to avoid replacement costs.
- Examine your roof for any damage or cracks where the water can seep in. If you find any signs of decay in your roof — repair them as much as possible.
- Observe areas in your house for any mold growth. As mold and mildew are common signs of water damage.
- Turn off the main water valve to prevent leaks while you’re away. A minor leak if untreated may flood your house and cause serious damage.
- Water bills are important. A significant jump in your water bill might signal a leak.
- Clean out your gutters routinely. Clogged gutters can collect rainwater, causing foundation damage.
- Consider buying water or leak detectors for further protection against water leaks. We highly recommend these two leak detection systems:
The Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff by Moen
Flo is a smart home water security system that monitors and shuts off water 24/7. This smart device analyzes your whole water supply system for leaks and vulnerabilities. The Moen Smart Water Detector detects leaks and moisture outside the pipes, such as overflowing drains, appliance failures, or weather-related difficulties.
24/7 Flume 2’s Smart Home Water Monitor And Leak Detector
Flume has the outstanding detecting technology that alerts you to indoor and outdoor water leaks. Their Flume Water app sends you water leak warnings whether you’re home or away. This device stops leaks and protects homes.
Water Backup is not covered in standard homeowners insurance policies.
Learn more about this risk in this article: Water Back Up Insurance
Knowing Is Half The Battle
Knowing how to prevent water damage is important. That’s the main point of today’s article. And if water damage does occur, following our advice and tips will help you get back on your feet quickly. Advantage Insurance Solutions can help you secure your home and your family against water damage. Let our team get you covered.
Call or text us at (877) 658-2472 today!