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.

Mold Prevention: Educate Yourself

Although there hasn't been a specific question on this topic, its an important subject that any property owner should be aware of.

Mold growth can be devastating

When it comes to mold growth, the old saying "one ounce of prevention is worth one pound of cure" really is true. Mold removal is usually an expensive process with the average cost of a claim often ranging from $15,000 to $30,000.

The key to preventing mold growth is to eliminate the conditions where mold will thrive. Mold needs moisture, darkness and heat to grow. This means that a pipe leaking in a wall can make an ideal environment for mold growth in a very short time.

By controlling and limiting the conditions that lead to mold growth the chances of having a problem with mold growth can be dramatically reduced.

For more in depth information, read this article on preventing mold growth. It goes into more detail on ways to prevent the conditions for mold growth.

Water Damage: One Drop at a Time

Today's question is about identifying water damage in your home. Since the potential sources of water damage are almost unlimited there are times that you could have water damage and not even realize it. The most obvious signs are damp areas or pooling water but what about when those aren't present or when the damage is in an area you can't see? Our reader asks:

"I'm worried that I may have a leak in my home, what are some ways I can identify water damage when I can't see any water?"

Locating leaks can be difficult if you can't see the source

If the source of the water isn't continuous, such as in cases of condensation or a roof leak, or the damage is happening in an area that you can't see, it can be difficult to identify the fact that there is water damage in the first place.

When there is no water visibly present the most helpful sign may be a smell. If you notice a damp or musty smell it could be a good indicator of the presence of water damage. This can be very helpful in locating where the damage is as well, just follow the smell.

On walls and ceilings signs of water damage include peeling paint or wallpaper, discoloration, mold growth or even sagging or bowing.

Flooring may exhibit a dank or musty smell, this is especially true with carpet because of how it will trap and retain moisture in the pad and the carpet itself. On other types of flooring, signs include peeling or warping, discoloration or moldy patches. When there is serious water damage to a floor it can result in damage to the subfloor or even a loss in structural integrity.

For additional information you can refer to this article on water damage and how to identify it.

If you suspect you have water damage but are having difficulty locating the source you should consult a professional water damage restoration company.

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.

Main Causes of Water Damage

The rain this weekend caused some people to realize that their roofs weren't as waterproof as they had previously thought. Water leaks may have been part of what inspired this reader's question: "What are the most common causes for water damage? I've been reading about how expensive water damage is and I want to make sure my house is protected."

There's an almost unlimited number of sources for water damage. It can occur any time something in a house that uses or carries water, such as appliances or pipes, becomes damaged, worn out or malfunctions and it can happen when something that is designed to keep out or contain water, like a roof or a sink, gets a leak. And even that doesn't begin to cover everything. That said there are some fairly common sources of water damage and many of them are preventable through maintenance and just generally paying attention.

Although this is not a very comprehensive or complete list, the causes of water damage can usually be broken down into the following four groups;

Broken or damaged appliances - Examples of this would include a leaking ice maker line, broken dish washer, water heater failing or a burst washing machine hose;

Plumbing issues - Some of these would be leaking pipes, overflowing toilets, sewer back-up or an overflowing bath tub;

Weather issues - Flooding due to heavy rain and freezing pipes would be some good examples of this;

 Maintenance problems or un-repaired damage - This could be a leaking roof, a broken sprinkler system or perhaps a damaged swamp cooler.

 While not entirely preventable, vigilance will help to reduce the risk of any of these things from becoming a big problem and it is much easier to prevent the problems before they occur whenever possible. Make sure to know who to call the event that water damage occurs, a quick response will minimize the extent of the water damage.

Water Damage and You

Here's a quick graphic with some bullet points on water damage, the information comes from several different sources in the insurance world. Enjoy!

Basics of Water Damage | Infographic