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Avoid the Damage: Understanding Common Causes of Water Damage and How to Prevent It

Water damage is one of the most common causes of home damage, leading to costly repairs and restorations in many cases. With some preventative knowledge and understanding of how water damage occurs, you can take measures to protect your home and prevent potential water damage. In this blog, we will discuss common causes of water damage, how to prevent it, what to do if a water emergency occurs, and when to contact professional water damage restoration services.

Not Just Leaks: Understanding Common Causes of Water Damage

Water damage in the home can occur in many ways that are often unanticipated. It’s not just about leaky pipes; water damage can be caused by a variety of sources, both inside and outside of the home. Common culprits include plumbing issues, floods, storms, melting snow, and humidity.

Plumbing — Plumbing issues are often cited as the main cause of home water damage. Common plumbing issues include leaky pipes, broken pipes, and blocked drains. Other plumbing issues such as frozen pipes, corroded pipes, and faulty valves can also lead to water damage.
Floods — A flood can occur due to heavy rainfall, melting snow, rapid snowmelt, or overflowing water sources such as rivers and lakes. Floods can quickly cause immense damage to homes if they are not prepared or protected.
Storms — Severe storms often bring with them heavy winds, rain, and hail. These can lead to water damage both on the outside of the home, such as siding damage and roof damage, and on the inside, such as flooding or other water accumulation.
Melting Snow — Snow and ice can be a major cause of water damage. During the winter months, it’s important to keep an eye on the accumulation of snow and ice around your home to make sure it does not reach above window or door frames and cause flooding. In addition, it’s important to check for any cracks or holes that could allow melting water to enter the building.
Humidity — High humidity levels, especially over long periods of time, can cause water damage in the home. This type of water damage is typically the result of condensation which can accumulate on windows and other surfaces and can lead to mold growth and rotting.

Staying Dry: Tips for

Preventing Water Damage

Now that you have a better understanding of common causes of water damage, let’s take a look at some actionable steps you can take to help prevent water damage in your home.

Check your plumbing regularly — Regular checks of all plumbing systems should be conducted on a regular basis. This includes checking for visible signs of damage such as leaks or cracks, as well as checking for signs of wear and tear such as corrosion or rust.
Check gutters and downspouts — Make sure that your gutters and downspouts have been cleared of debris and are properly draining to avoid pooling water around the home.
Check for cracks — Inspect the foundation of your home for any cracks or holes, as these can be an entry point for water and can lead to structural damage inside your home.
Install a water alarm — A water alarm can be a great backup measure in case of a water emergency. These alarms detect water leaks and alert you immediately, allowing you to take action quickly and minimize water damage.

Don’t Panic: What to Do When Emergency Water Damage Occurs

In the event that you experience a water emergency, it is important to take action quickly to help minimize damage and begin the repair and restoration process.

Turn off the electricity in the affected area.
Move any vulnerable items, such as furniture and electronics, to a safe, dry area.
Extract as much water from the affected area as possible.
Contact and hire a professional water damage restoration service. Allow the professionals to:
Properly dry the affected area.
Remove any mold or mildew that has developed due to the water damage.
Disinfect and deodorize the affected area.
Replace damaged insulation and drywall.
Monitor the progress of the professional service throughout the water damage restoration process.

Why It’s Important to Contact a Professional for Water Damage Restoration

If you experience significant water damage in your home, it is important to contact a professional water damage restoration service. Working with a professional can help ensure that the damage is properly assessed, that the appropriate steps are taken to address the damage, and that any potential health hazards or structural damage are avoided.

Assessment — A professional water damage restoration service will have the expertise to accurately assess the full extent of the damage and address any existing or potential health hazards.
Experience — Professional water damage restoration services have the necessary experience and training to assess the damage and determine the next steps. This can be critical in minimizing the amount of damage and restoration costs.
Health hazards — Water damage often brings with it the risk of health hazards such as mold and mildew growth. Professionals know how to recognize and safely handle these hazards and will make sure they are taken care of correctly.
Structural damage — Water damage can lead to structural damage if it is not treated correctly. A professional water damage service will be able to assess potential structural damage and take the necessary steps to repair it.

In conclusion, water damage can occur in many ways and cause a lot of damage to your home. Understanding common causes of water damage is the first step to preventing it. Knowing how to take action in the event of a water emergency is also important. Lastly, calling a professional water damage restoration service can ensure that the damage is properly assessed and taken care of.

The Best Way to Help with Water Damage

Water damage can cause a lot of damage to a property, especially if the issue is not addressed quickly and in the right way. The longer water sits and soaks into drywall and carpets, the worse the damages become, leading to more repair costs. Professional water damage restoration services can detect hidden moisture and completely dry out the affected area. The restoration process also includes dehumidifying and sanitizing the affected area to prevent the growth of any mold or mildew that can cause structural damage in the future.

Freedom Restoration Services offers comprehensive restoration services for water damage, including fire and smoke damage. Our trained technicians are certified to handle any water damage issue and will use the latest equipment and techniques to restore your property to its pre-damage condition. Our experienced technicians also understand the need for urgent service, so they will respond quickly to diagnose the issue and begin the restoration process. With our full transparency and experience, you can rest assured that the job will be done correctly and efficiently.

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