Water damage inside your home is not something to be taken lightly. When water flows or sits where it shouldn’t, it can lead to big problems for your home, property, and health. Find out what causes home water damage, the signs you should keep an eye out for, and the dangers of water that’s left untreated.
If you’re experiencing plumbing issues that are causing water to affect the important things in your life, give us a call at 972-395-2597. We’re happy to schedule an appointment to solve your problems!
What Causes Water Damage in a Home?
There are a number of common causes of home water damage. Here are some of them:
- Your house was the victim of a natural disaster or other major weather event.
- You recently experienced a clogged or leaky toilet or sink.
- Water was left running for an extended period of time.
- The roof is leaking.
- A sewer line or pipe burst or was damaged.
- Water and moisture is collecting in certain parts of the house, like the attic or crawlspaces.
- The HVAC has not been regularly maintained, and moisture is building up.
- Poor landscaping allowed water to seep into your foundation.
Water from a storm or natural disaster can cause major damage, but most people’s issues with water damage come from simple plumbing problems that were left untreated.
The Signs of Water Damage
There are a few clear signs of water damage:
- Swelling walls
- Water dripping from ceilings or walls
- Brown or yellow patches on ceilings
- The sound of water dripping somewhere out of sight
- The smell of moisture or mold
- Walls that are damp to the touch
- Odd puddles appearing within your home
- Cracks in the wood of your home
- Foundational cracks
Keep an eye out for these symptoms of water damage after a storm passes through but also as you live day-to-day in your home. If you notice any of these signs, take action right away by calling a plumbing professional. The signs could point to serious structural or plumbing problems within your home. Keeping your eyes open can prevent a small issue from becoming something larger.
Home Water Damage: What’s the Big Deal?
The dangers of water damage go beyond unsightly discoloration on your walls or ceiling and puddles you have to mop up on your kitchen floor. Home water damage should be taken seriously and acted upon quickly. Here’s why!
Mold, Viruses, and Bacteria Thrive
As soon as water starts to build up, your home is at risk for developing mold and mildew. Mold grows in damp environments, including inside walls and on organic substances. Clothing, rugs, chairs, and plywood are all possible homes for mold.
When it comes to your health, mold can:
- Compromise your immune system
- Aggravate or lead to asthma
- Cause severe allergies
- Cause fatigue
- Give you headaches
- Lower intelligence levels
Young children and older adults are particularly at risk for developing symptoms, but even your pets can be affected by the spores and allergies.
Mold thrives better in some areas of your home than others. For example, if your HVAC isn’t regularly maintained, the moisture there can cause mold spores to grow within your air ducts. Every time you use your air conditioning, it sends mold into your home. Crawlspaces and similar areas of the house are good homes for mold, viruses, and bacteria as well, if moisture is allowed to build up.
Structural Damage Can Occur
Water damage can negatively affect the structural integrity of your home. Depending on the amount of water that comes in, you could experience bowing ceilings or swelling and warping in other essential areas of your home. Water can weaken and rust metal, window frames, and door frames.
If water accumulates over a long period of time, it could even eat away at the wood and plaster in your home. In some cases, load-bearing walls take the brunt of it. This can lead to their collapse or cause a ceiling to cave in.
Repairing structural damage varies from case to case, but an inspection is essential and weak points must be found before repairs can be made.
Electrical Systems Produce Hazards
When water is present, it has the potential to leak into your electrical system. This is very serious, as it can cause electrocution, severe injury, and even be fatal. Fires can start if water comes in contact with electrical wiring.
In less severe cases, water can cause electrical malfunction that leads to power surges, potentially damaging or destroying electronics within your home, such as computers.
If your house begins to flood, turn off all electrical boxes. For your own safety, never turn on water-damaged electrical appliances without consulting a professional. Some appliances may need to be replaced, while others can be reconditioned.
Your Home’s Appearance Suffers
Left alone, the mold that grows in moisture can destroy precious and valuable possessions. It’s also good at leaving a smell that’s very difficult to get out.
Water can leave its mark on furniture and wood. And show up as unsightly brown patches on walls. Each require a special type of cleaning and some elbow grease to remove.
It’s Inconvenient and Expensive
Besides posing a threat to your health and safety, water damage is inconvenient and costs money! Insurance claims must be processed for home repairs, professionals need to be called to get your home back to normal, and cleaning has to be done.
When dealing with water damage, consult a professional. It’s essential to get the water, especially standing water, out as quickly as possible. Dehumidifying, cleaning, and sanitizing are the next steps to prepare your home for repair.
If you see the signs of water damage in your home or were recently the victim of flood water or a natural disaster, please give us a call! One of our licensed professionals can help you get back to a healthy home. You can reach CW Service Pros anytime—day or night—at 972-395-2597.