You might need to know how to prevent water damage as it can happen at any time. From plumbing leaks to faulty or broken appliances, water overflow has the potential to cause some serious damage, especially if it’s not taken care of right away. To protect your home from issues that can be caused by water such as mould growth, flooding, and damage to the foundations of your property, it is best to be prepared for the worst. That’s why we have put together a list of the top causes of water damage and how to prevent them.

Broken or leaky pipes

Leaking or broken water pipes are among the most common causes of water damage to a home. If a pipe ruptures in your home, serious water damage can occur. Sometimes, all it takes is a change in water pressure or freezing temperatures to cause pipes to burst. Even a minor dripping leak can lead to substantial water damage over time. However, not all water damage is visible. Plumbing or drain damage can often be unseen and can go unnoticed within the walls of your home or in areas that are not highly trafficked.

To guard against leaks, inspect your home often for signs of leaking pipes. Early moisture detection can prevent more extensive damage down the line. If a pipe does burst, call a professional immediately. Early moisture detection can prevent more extensive damage down the line. If you suspect there may be an unseen leak, there are some signs of water damage to watch out for including listening at night for any sounds of dripping water or looking out for water rings or stains that point to a leak in the pipes. While rings may be easier to notice, keep an eye out for smaller water stains on the ceiling or walls which are also common. Regularly go through your home and make a note of areas that are close to plumbing. Soft or sagging spots on the floor, especially near the tub, shower, and sinks may be signs of a burst pipe or leaking appliances in need of repairs such as dishwashers and washing machines.

If a pipe does burst and there is considerable damage to your home, call a water damage professional to ensure that the proper steps are taken to restore your property to normal.

Water Overflow

Forgetting to turn off the taps in your sink or bathtub can lead to a soggy problem fast. Water overflow caused by sinks or toilets can wreck flooring and carpeting and even break through a downstairs ceiling if ignored long enough. If not completely cleaned up and restored right away, you may also experience permanently damaged wood and mould growth. Remember to always keep an eye on running taps. To ensure your toilets don’t overflow, know how to turn off the water supply on each toilet at the valve located on the wall.

If you’re unable to reach it, or the taps won’t close, turn off the main water supply lines to your home to avoid further damage. If the damage is minor, you can call a plumber to help fix the issue and the related minor damage. However, extensive damage may require calling a water damage restoration expert. Acting quickly is key to avoiding costly damage to your home and belongings.

Faulty household appliances

As mentioned above, malfunctioning clogs can cause appliances to leak. A dishwasher leak, for instance, can cause water damage to cabinets and lead to warped wood or mould growth. Fridges and freezers may have a clogged pipe. Likewise, washing machines can become worn with time and start to leak unless they’re regularly maintained.

As a general rule of thumb, if there is water where you can see it, there is very likely water where you can’t. This is where serious water damage can occur. If your dishwasher or other appliance leaks, clean up the leakage as quickly as possible and have your appliance repaired or replaced. Calling a professional for regular maintenance is the first step to preventing water damage to your home. If the leakage is extensive, you’ll need to call emergency services to ensure that the water flow is stopped and the damage is contained and restored.

Clogged guttering

Gutters are meant to direct water away from your home but a clogged gutter can cause water to overflow and slowly seep into your property through roof leaks or a damaged foundation. Periodic cleaning is important to ensure that your gutters are free of any debris. Twice a year, take the time to remove any leaves, twigs, seedpods, and other blockages from your gutters. Remember, if you’re planning on cleaning your own gutters, please stay safe by following the proper safety precautions.

Preventing long-lasting effects from water damage

Even with the best precautions, water damage can still happen, be it from extreme weather or something else. If damage does occur because of plumbing leaks or water overflow, call ServiceMaster Restore to act fast and restore your home back to normal. Our experts will assess the damage and create a bespoke and comprehensive restoration plan to get your home up and running as soon as possible.

We are available 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week, and can be reached in an emergency on 0845 762 6828, or by finding your nearest ServiceMaster Restore here.

Written by Tom Page, Digital Content Writer