The most frequent reason for homeowners filing insurance claims is water damage. This is because water damage is so common in any home, as many items in our homes function off of a water source. Leaky and burst pipes, overflowing toilets, tubs, and sicks, or appliance malfunctions are among the many causes of water damage. However it happens, water damage occurs extremely fast. When it is left alone for long periods of time, the destruction can be catastrophic and irreversible.
Water Damage Cleanup – San Rafael
No matter the amount of water that comes in from a flood, it’s imperative to address it quickly to minimize the level of water damage. If you have never dealt with water damage before, it may be difficult to tell when it is happening to you and when it is appropriate to call a professional.
What Is Water Damage?
Water damage is usually described as any possible loss that occurs from water intruding into a place it shouldn’t be. It can be destructive in nature as it can destroy possessions, home features, and structures. This water damage can come from internal forces, like burst pipes or malfunctioning appliances, or external forces, such as overflowing rivers or heavy rains.
Water damage is far more common than one would think. According to statistics, about 14,000 people experience water damage in the US every single day, which costs the insurance industry $2.5 billion dollars per year to cover the water damage cleanup. Historically, every single homeowner will experience this water damage at least once in their life, so it is essential to understand how it can happen.
How Does Water Damage Happen?
Water damage can come from any source of water, though some are far more common than others. When trying to prevent it from happening in your home, it’s essential to know what is most likely to cause it.
Leaky/Burst Pipes
Pipes can malfunction in a number of ways, mainly stemming from unkempt maintenance. Pipes will corrode if there is hard water present, chemicals are being run through them, or the pipes need to be better fitted. High water pressure can also cause pipes to burst or leak, as they are only meant for a certain amount of pressure. It’s important to keep on the condition of pipes and water pressure to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Weather Changes
The weather fluctuates constantly, so prepare now to avoid bad weather from causing water damage. Heavy rain and storms can lead to water damage as they can cause water build-up along the foundation of your home. Additionally, the roof may have cracks in it, leading to a leaky roof. Windows and doors could be improperly sealed, allowing water to seep through. All of these problems can be avoided if your home is regularly maintained and checked for sealing issues.
Appliance And Fixture Malfunctions
Appliances, such as dishwashers and refrigerators, can often have leaks in them if not properly maintained. Water lines in these appliances often break, leading to a leak that could go unnoticed for a long period of time. Additionally, fixtures such as air conditioners and water heaters can cause a lot of problems when neglected. Water heaters that are corroded in any way can leak, and air conditioners’ water lines can break as well. All of these items require regular inspection to ensure they function correctly and don’t cause issues.
If any of these occurrences are happening in your home or something is out of the ordinary, it’s best to get it sorted out as soon as possible. Water damage occurs quickly and can be dangerous, so it’s important that it is done right. Contact professionals at Bravo Restoration to assist you with your water damage cleanup to get the job done right.