Water Damage Causes

Let’s talk about what can cause water damage.

Common Causes of Water Damage

Water damage to your home can come from many sources, some obvious and dramatic like storm flooding and some hidden from sight like slab leaks that can reek havoc on your basement. In fact, you may be in need water damage restoration without even knowing it yet. Water damage is usually the result of gradual deterioration caused by standing water or a smaller leak that worsens over time while you are unaware of the problem.

While flood damage can be the result of many things, there are a number of common and often undetected causes that merit special attention. Below you’ll find a list of the most common causes to watch out for. Be sure to check out this page for a detailed list of water damage tips as well as our guide to flood preparedness.

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Some Things to Watch Out For – Common Causes for Water Damage

  • Clogged gutters. Your gutter system is designed to collect and direct water from the home. When gutters become clogged with debris, a dam is formed that allows water to overflow and run down the side of the house or get absorbed by the roof.
  • Leaking pipes. A pipe leaking in the wall, under the sink, or in the slab foundation of your home can cause damage over a period of years.
  • Leaking appliances. Any appliance in your home that uses water can develop a leak and damage your home. This includes the water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator.
  • Overflowing toilets. A clog in your toilet that causes water to overflow can cause damage.
  • Sewer back-ups. A main sewer back-up is one of the most severe and dangerous types of water damage as it is dangerous to your health. Sewer back-ups are often caused by tree roots growing in the sewer line and clogs in the drain lines.
  • Basement flooding. Basements are at risk of flooding because they are built under the water table. One of the best ways to reduce this risk is installing a sump pump to remove excess water.
  • Flat roofs. Flat roofs are much more likely to leak because they do not have a slope to drain water away from the property and instead rely heavily on roof drains.

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