How Water Damage Happens - 3 Major Reasons

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Ask any homeowner what he or she fears the most and you are likely to get back two words: water damage. Every home uses it in abundance, but there are few substances in the world that can wreak havoc as well as good old H2O. If you are interested in protecting your investment, you would do well to make sure you are guarding against it at every turn. Of course, this means knowing how it usually strikes. Most homeowners don't. While storms and other natural disasters are always a threat, there's not much you can do to change the weather. There is plenty you can do inside your home, however.

Plumbing

That's right, your plumbing is one of the major causes of water damage, and it is one homeowners don't think about until it's too late. If you are dealing with a perpetually leaking faucet, think seriously about getting a plumber out to your house to address the problem before it gets out of control. What many people don't realize is that a leaky faucet can sometimes be a symptom of a much greater problem in the walls. Clogged pipes are another issue that can cause a major backup, leading to the kinds of problems you don't want to deal with. These issues are easier to deal with earlier rather than later.

The HVAC System

Homeowners are known to fret about their air conditioning and heating, but it usually has very little to do with the threat of water damage. When the system is not properly maintained, however, it can easily lead to trouble. Much like your plumbing pipes, clogs can occur deep in the system. When that happens, moisture begins building up. Drip pans fill and spill. Before you know it, you have an abundance of moisture moving through your walls and through your air. Air conditioning, when working properly, should act as a dehumidifier. When it goes without maintenance, however, it can be just the opposite.

The Gutters

No homeowner can afford to leave his or her gutters in a state of disrepair. If you have none, get them. If you have them but are content to let them clog up with leaves and debris, you're wasting one of your best opportunities to protect your home from water damage. Clean them regularly and your house will thank you for it. You should also make sure they are designed to drain rainwater far away from the house so you don't invite foundation issues down the line.


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