Sources of Water Damage

Today we're talking about leaks and water damage. Our reader asks;

"I know that there are a lot of things that can cause water damage but what are the biggest ones? How can I prevent them from being a problem?"

Water damage can happen very quickly and seemingly without warning

It's true that there are almost unlimited sources for water damage, leaks and flooding can come from almost anywhere. However, the key to preventing most water damage incidents is in maintenance and observation.

Two huge sources of flooding are burst pipes and broken appliances. Visually checking pipes for signs of damage and making sure any exterior pipes are insulated can help prevent this. Worn and damaged pipes can get progressively worse over time and uninsulated pipes can freeze and burst. Regularly inspect appliance water supply lines for signs of damage and to make sure they aren't becoming dislodged at all.

Roof leaks are another common source of water damage. Always inspect the roof at least twice a year. In Sierra Vista, before and after monsoon season are good times to perform these checks, this will help to identify and repair any damage before the summer rains come and then identify any damage that the storms may have caused.

While there is any number of other possible causes for water damage in a home in addition to those listed above, the best method for prevention is to make sure that the home is properly maintained. Addressing potential problems before they cause damage is always easier (and less expensive) than trying to clean up the damage of a water disaster.

Wet Carpet in Sierra Vista?

When a wood or tile floor get wet it can often be enough to just mop up any standing water and run over the area with a towel. But how about carpet? What happens when carpet becomes absolutely saturated? This reader is asking about that exact subject.

"I had a leak in my master bathroom and it caused some flooding in the bedroom. The bedroom is carpeted and now one corner of the room is completely saturated! I used a shop-vac to get most of the water but the area is still really damp, can I just leave it to air dry?"

When carpet gets completely saturated by flooding it can be very difficult to completely dry. Carpet pads act like a giant sponge, absorbing water and spreading it through the whole thing. In addition to causing the carpet dry out to be difficult, this produces an ideal environment for mold growth. If the carpet starts to have a musty smell it's a sure sign of mold growth.

Because of the fact that carpet can take so long to fully dry and the fact that mold grows so quickly (usually showing up in as little as 24 to 48 hours) it's not a good idea to just try to let a carpet air dry. Drying wet carpet needs specialized equipment if the carpet has been entirely saturated. Industrial dehumidifiers and specialized fans are used in this process to make sure all the moisture has been entirely removed.

If flooding has caused saturated, wet carpet, consider contacting a company who is certified in water removal and dry out procedures to handle the carpet drying.