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Determining the Different Causes of Water Damage
7/17/2019 (Permalink)
We can’t live without water, but we’d much rather live without the damage it can bring to our property.
There are a number of ways that water damage can occur at home—do you know what some of the most common ways are?
For the period covering 2009 to 2015, The Travelers Companies Inc. reported that the five top causes of home claims were:
- Damage caused by wind
- Water damage not involved with the weather
- Hail
- Water damage related to weather
- Crime
Water damage is included two times, recognizing its significance. It is either caused by the weather or some other accident within the home and is listed as such.
Non-weather-related water damage is your biggest problem-maker at home and results from plumbing and appliance breakdowns. Weather-related water damage is not as prevalent but is just as much of a hassle if it occurs. Rain and snow are responsible for this situation.
In your house, there are, essentially, five causes for water damage. They are plumbing, appliances, water pipes, water heaters and weather.
You already know that water damage is quite the expense, but imagine if none of it was covered by your homeowners insurance policy. It’s best practice to review your policy so that you know exactly what is covered. The damages normally covered in a standard policy are:
- Damages caused by winter weather
- Water from discharge and overflow, including accidental
- Disintegrating or damaged pipes for a steam heating system
- Frozen plumbing
Luckily, preventing some water damage conditions is possible—this means less muss and fuss for you.
These preventive measures can help limit the circumstances of water damage in your home:
- Use water sensors and automatic shut-off valves.
- Hire a professional plumber to install back flow valves and standpipes for your basement drains.
- Keep your washer and dryer off the basement floor.
- Make sure the connecting hose for your washer and dryer are the metal mesh type.
- Clean your gutters.
- Flush your hot water heater at least twice per year.
- Keep grease out of your kitchen drain.
- Have your sump pump in good running order before the wet season.
If you follow these ideas, you just might be able to avoid most water damage incidents in your home.
Water damage can be a nightmare to deal with, but fortunately, you will always have SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South on your side to help with the cleanup and restoration process.