One of the worst things to happen in your home is water damage. Suddenly, your belongings can be wet and ruined, and you’re faced with dipping into your emergency fund. If the damage is extreme, you could even end up without a place to live for a few days. Knowing the cause(s) of water damage in your home can help prevent the issue from occurring in the future.
Blocked gutters
Normally, your gutters will do a great job of directing water away from your roof and away from the building. Although, once gutters become clogged with debris such as leaves and branches, the water will have nowhere to go. Water starts to accumulate and gets trapped. The water will start to overflow and run down the side of your building. Unfortunately, if you have leaks in your roof or holes in your building, the water could seep into the insulation and the interior of your building. Much like melting ice dams, the water going into your home can cause water damage, mold growth, and health hazards.
Humidity
Believe it or not, humidity is one of the causes of water damage in homes. Humidity relates to the amount of moisture that is in the air, and if the air inside your home reaches high humidity levels it can lead to other threats. High in-home humidity that is not cared for can start to gather on surfaces and objects, which can lead to water damage or even mold growth.
Sump pump failure
A sump pump is a small pump installed in the basement of your building to help pump the excess water out from under your home. The job of the pump is to keep the building and other crawlspaces free of water and dry. Sump pumps are usually used where flooding can happen the most, so it works to pump out the water and keep your home clear of moisture. Although, like anything, sump pumps can fail to work and cause flooding and water damage to your home.
The most common cause of sump pump failure is a power outage. Since these pumps do run off of electricity in your home, if a storm causes a power failure you could be faced with terrible flooding. One solution is to have a backup generator in case you do lose power so that your pump goes uninterrupted. Other common causes of sump pump failure are improper installation, switch problems, and lack of maintenance. Always be sure to buy the proper size sump pump and to have a backup pump in case your primary one fails. Additionally, do yearly maintenance checks to be sure everything is in working order (RenewServices).
Living in a flood zone
When you purchase a property in a flood zone, you are aware of the risks that come with living in that area. Flood zones are classified based on the probability that a flood will occur in a 100-year span. Most areas are under a 2% chance of a flood occurring, but after that point it can become an issue. Floods can happen from thunderstorms, hurricanes, rain, river flooding, or excessive rain. Be aware of the possibility of a flood happening if you take a chance on a home in a flood zone (Homes.com).
Appliance failure
Several appliances in your home can be the culprit of water damage. Appliances like hot water heaters, air conditioners, and your washing machine all increase your risk of flooding. Corroded parts, failure to maintain the appliance, and old age can cause such leaks. Doing personal inspections of the appliances in your home can be a life-saver when it comes to water damage (RainbowInternational).
You can greatly reduce most home flooding risks just by doing maintenance or yearly inspections in your home. Water damage is a risk that most homeowners are not willing to take, as it can cause threats to your belongings, your health, and your bank account. If you suspect your home has a damage, call a home inspector immediately to have them find any causes of water damage. A professional will be able to advise you on how to stop the chance of water damage from ever happening.
