Water damage can leave a home in ruins. Even a small leak can be devastatingly destructive. Here are some of the top causes of water damage.
Burst Pipes
It doesn’t take long for a burst pipe to cause significant water damage. While freezing temperatures leading to a burst pipe are rare in Southern California, clogs in the plumbing system are an even more common cause. As pressure continues to build up inside of the pipe, the chances of a rupture increase dramatically.
Tip: In the event of a plumbing emergency, you need to know where the main shutoff valve is located. If you're not already familiar with the water shutoff valve in your home, now is the time to find it!
Leaking Appliances
Slow drips from appliances can gradually destroy flooring and walls. A refrigerator’s large size can cause leaks to go unnoticed for a long time. A washing machine’s supply hose is also prone to leaking.
Tip: Periodically check for moisture around your water-using appliances to ensure they’re water-tight. If you notice an appliance leak, it should be repaired as soon as possible. Waiting to fix the issue makes water damage far more likely to occur.
Aging Water Heaters
As a water heater starts to age, it’s far more likely to start leaking. This is especially true for conventional storage tank water heaters that are more than 10 years old.
Tip: Always keep an eye out for signs of corrosion. The tank is susceptible to rusting away if the water heater isn't regularly flushed, so definitely consider adding routine water heater maintenance to your home maintenance schedule.
Rainy Weather
Rainy weather can cause an extensive amount of water damage. If the gutters become clogged, rainwater won’t be able to properly drain. This means the roof’s underlying materials could warp and rot. Water can also pool up around the home and seep into the foundation.
Tip: While you can't control the weather, you can be vigilant by keeping your gutters clean. It's a good idea to do this once or twice a year. You may also wish to consider installing gutter guards to keep leaves and debris out of your gutters and downspouts. If you think you may have a drainage issue on your property, it may also be a good idea to consider hiring a landscaper who can adjust the slope of your land, install a catch basin, or some other solution to keep water from pooling near your foundation.
Floods
Southern California is no stranger to flash floods. These extreme weather events can wreak major havoc on your property, causing wood to rot, floorboards to warp, and drywall to crumble. Not only can flooding destroy the structure of your home, but they can also ruin your possessions inside.
Tip: If your home has been flooded, thorough water-extraction and dehumidification services can dry your home and your valuables, as well as remove any threat of mold growth. But you must act quickly—any delay in treating water damage can quickly lead to an even worse situation.
No matter what caused the damage, depend on Cut N Dry Restoration to fix it! Our comprehensive disaster restoration services will restore your San Bernardino County home or business to its original condition. To schedule your appointment, call (909) 829-5002.