Water damage is a problem that most property owners face, at least once in the lifetime of the house. It refers to various possible losses caused by water intrusion to a property. A water loss is one of the expensive damages that can happen to a home. It can range from minor issues such as rotting of the wood and rusting of the steel to considerable destruction of the property. One thing is clear – water damage is one of the greatest contributors to loss of property.

 

The damage due to water can be very slow which starts from moisture spots or fast like that occurs after a flood. Water damage due to flooding mostly occurs if flood water removal is not properly done and that too, as soon as possible.

 

No doubt that flood water damage restoration is a daunting task if you start doing it yourself. If your home is affected by water damage, the best option is to choose a professional flood damage restoration company. This blog intends to educate you on the causes of water damage and how you can effectively minimize the damages caused by water damage.

 

Major causes of home water damage

 

As you might be aware, water is referred to as a natural solvent that is capable of breaking down nearly anything in the world, given enough time. For the same reason, most of the things found inside your home are susceptible to water damage.

 

Of course, water causes water damage. However, the water causing water damage may come from various sources – a small leakage in the plumbing system to a flash flood or a hurricane. If you have observed water damage and confused about what the cause is, let us help you to figure out. Listed below are some of the common causes of water damage.

 

Flood

It is one of the natural hazards that affect people all around the globe. Almost all states in the US have experienced floods at least once in the last six years, although the severity varies. No matter if your home is close to a water body or not, you may experience flooding anytime. The natural reasons for flooding include thunderstorms, hurricanes, heavy rain, snow melting, etc. Thus floods may occur anytime and in any size. It is a major cause of household water damage in the US and has the potential to create extensive damage to the property. There are other reasons such as broken pipes, overflowing sinks, faulty sprinkler systems, etc. which leads to flooding inside the home which we will discuss below.

Plumbing systems

Another major cause of water damage in homes is errors or leakages in the plumbing system. Pipes may burst or small leaks may occur within the walls leading to water damage. You may hardly be able to detect the damage or extent of the damage as it is within the wall. Hence it gets undetected for long periods leading to severe water damage. Even rusty pipes can cause water damage which is difficult to detect. To avoid the severity of water damage due to plumbing errors, you can hire the service of a professional water removal company soon you detect the issue. Also, hiring a plumbing contractor is suggested to resolve the issue effectively.

Sewage backup

Similar to leakage in the plumbing system, the sewage system in your home could be the reason behind water damage. It can cause extensive damage to the home and the property. Sewage water is more hazardous as it may contaminate the environment. It comes with the risk of bacteria, mold, parasites, etc. It can also remain hidden for a long time and cause severe damage to the property without your knowledge.  According to experts, the only way to avoid such water damage is to conduct regular inspections of the pipes and avoid clogs. Also, do not delay the necessary repairs in the plumbing and sewage system.

Household appliances

Dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters – all of these appliances may lead to issues in the internal water system of your home. The chance of water damage is higher if the appliances are older or malfunctioning. Moreover, weak hoses and rusty pipes also cause water leakage leading to damage to the property. It is important to replace or repair the appliance while you carry out water damage restoration. Hidden water damages are also reasons for mold growth. Therefore, if you have found water damage due to household appliances, it is highly recommended to conduct a mold inspection and testing to avoid mold issues.

HVAC system

The heating and air-conditioning system is often the culprit for water damage in many homes. The HVAC system requires regular maintenance and failing to do so often end up in water leakage and damage. When you do not give proper attention to the HVAC equipment, it becomes the ground for moisture build-ups. This, in turn, gives rise to mold growth and water damage. If you get a musty odor or an uncommon smell close to the vents of the HVAC unit, it could be a subtle hint of moisture presence or even water damage.

Defective sump pumps

If the sump pumps are not working properly, water buildups are common in the basement. The sump pumps can break or malfunction due to heavy rains, floods, appliance failure, etc.  If you fail to act proactively in water removal and sump pump replacement, it may lead to water damage. If there are faulty sump pumps, the possibility of mold growth stands higher. Also, make sure you hire a professional company for flood damage restoration if basement flooding occurs due to defective sump pumps.

Tips for effective water damage clean-up

No homeowner can take water damage lightly as it can cause structural damage to the property. It ruins your prized possession inside the home. Also, it can contaminate the healthy environment of the home. Therefore, all property experts recommend hiring the service of a professional flood damage restoration company soon if you ever face water damage in your home. Listed below are a few tips that will help you minimize the damages caused by water.

The sooner, the better

The golden rule to minimize water damage is that the sooner you can remove your prized possessions, the more likely you will be able to avoid damage. As soon as you realize water damage has occurred, disconnect the power and unplug the electronic appliances immediately to avoid any chance of electrocution. Remove all moveable items including furniture from the affected area. Take out the carpets and other materials that absorb water and allow it to remain in the sunlight. You need to clean everything and get it disinfected before you use it again.

Remove the water

You can use different ways to get rid of the water, but make sure there are no broken electrical lines or loose wires. Make sure you switch off the main electrical connection before you enter into the water-filled area. You can use house-hold things like old towels, sponges, buckets, mops, etc. to remove the water as much as possible.  You can use a wet or dry vacuum, if possible. Also, a sump pump can be used to drain out the water. However, ensure your safety when you use electrical devices.  Do not use an extension cord in a flooded space.

Dry, dry and dry

The next step is to dry out the affected area as effective as it can be. If you leave the moisture in the house, it becomes the breeding ground for molds which will lead to further damages. Mold testing and inspection are highly recommended for flood-affected homes. Keep in mind that molds start growing within the first 24-48 hours of water damage hence you need to act fast. You can use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the area. Keep the windows open (only if the rains/hurricanes are over) so that there is air circulation. Also, open all the cabinets and closets to hasten to dry.

Ensure proper cleaning

If the cause of water damage is floods or sewage backup, numerous bacteria and hazardous microorganisms may enter your home through the water. Therefore, you need to clean the space using an effective disinfectant. Clean every inch of the flood-affected area using cleaning agents to get rid of any bacteria that might be hiding inside the home. Use disinfectant on the furniture, carpet, and every other material that has been in touch with floodwater. Air duct cleaning should also be taken care of as it can turn to be the breeding ground for bacteria.

Mold remediation is recommended

Proper mold remediation should be added to the flood damage restoration checklist as the chance for mold formation is higher soon after water damage occurs. The hidden danger is that molds may grow inside the walls or dark corners of the house which will less likely be noticed. As you know, molds are capable of destructing the property slowly or may cause severe allergic reactions to the inmates of the house. Make sure you carry out proper mold inspection and testing to avoid such occurrences.

Can you prevent water damage?

We have already mentioned that water damage occurs due to multiple factors. If it is flash floods, we can hardly prevent the damages caused. Any water damage caused by Mother Nature cannot be prevented, but we can take the necessary steps to minimize the effects of water damage. On the other hand, many man-made factors cause water damage. For instance, water damage caused by the sewage back up or electrical appliances can be prevented to a far extent.

Keep in mind to do regular inspection of the electrical appliances, HVAC system, etc. with the help of professionals to ensure its proper functioning. Basement, attics, bathrooms, kitchens are susceptible areas of flooding. Check for leaks or cracks once in a while and repair them promptly. Check the functioning of sump pumps regularly to ensure proper draining out of water. To wind up, inspect your property regularly to avoid any causes that lead to water damage.

Leave the job to professional experts!

Nobody wants to face the dreadful situation of water damage at home. If the unexpected event happened, it is always better to hire a professional flood damage restoration company to do the cleanup. They are equipped with the technical skills to assist you in the repair of extensive water damage. And they will have high-powered equipment to remove the excess water and clean the space thoroughly. Thus they use air movers which are exceptionally powerful in drying out the surface from the floor to the ceiling and everything in between. They take advantage of dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air. Most professional companies use air scrubbers to remove musty odors and restore cleanliness and sanitation in your home.

 

All of these will happen perfectly while you can relax or focus on things that need your attention more. Hence, you will not regret hiring a professional water removal company.

 

Dry Effect is here to assist you! 

 

If you are a dweller of Cincinnati, Dry Effect is here to assist you in all kinds of water damage restoration services. We are one of the top-rated companies in the locality with many years of experience and hundreds of happy clients. At Dry Effect, our servicemen are thoroughly trained and capable of handling water damage repair safely, economically and efficiently. All our workmen are insured and licensed to do the task hence you can rely on us for water damage of any level.

 

When you hire us for flood damage restoration, we follow a step-by-step approach to ensure comprehensive cleaning of the area. We also provide mold remediation and mold removal services. We follow best practices in the industry and comply with the safety guidelines given by the authority while dealing with water damage.

 

If you are worried about water damage restoration, give us a call right away!