Useful News

Facing a Flooding Crisis? Here is What You Need to Know

Unless you have been affected by water damage in your home, you may not be aware of the extent of the damage and destruction that it can cause. It is estimated that 14,000 Americans experience a water damage emergency either in their home or at their place of work every single day.

Furthermore, and this is bad news for basement owners, 98% of basements in the U.S will be affected by water damage of some sort or another during their lifetime.

If that isn’t shocking enough, wait until you hear about the cost of repairing your home or business from water damage.

$2.5 billion is spent by insurance companies every year to cover the cost of water and mold damage to American homes with the average cost of repairs to a property being a staggering $6,965.

Get a commercial water damage restoration firm like Premiere Restoration to help access your water damage situation

What is causing this water damage?

There are many causes of water damage in the home, most of which are preventable:

Plumbing issues

One of the most common causes of water damage in the home is an issue with one of your plumbing systems. Therefore, it is important to check that all your hoses and pipes are well-maintained and that they have not become worn out over the years. It is worth noting that plumbing pipes do have a long life span, especially brass pipes, but that they should still be checked over annually for any signs of decay.

You should also check your baths, sinks, and showers for any signs of leaking such as excessive moisture or a soft spot. Floorboards that appear discolored or warped can be a sign of a leak in an appliance such as a dishwasher or refrigerator.

Burst water pipes

If you live in an area that often experiences bouts of extremely cold weather, then your home is more at risk of burst pipes which can lead to extensive water damage. You can help prevent your pipes from freezing by ensuring that they are adequately insulated with heat tape or a pipe sleeve.

Old water heaters

Just like all household appliances, your water heater has a shelf life and failure to repair or replace this crucial appliance can lead to leaking. As a rule, you should buy a new water heater once every 10 years, as well as ensure that you look out for signs that your current one needs some TLC, such as manifestations of mold or corrosion.

How can homeowners prevent water damage?

If you want to avoid sky-high insurance rates as a result of a water damage claim, then follow the below tips to keep your home safe and dry:

  • Keep your gutters debris-free
  • Minimize trees and shrubs near utility pipes
  • Know where your main water supply is and how to turn it off
  • Maintain and check all household appliances regularly
  • Install water detection devices
  • Check your water pressure
  • Keep an eye on your water bill; a sudden increase could be a sign of a leak
  • Repair any leaks or cracks immediately

What should you do if you are a victim of water damage?

If you have a water damage emergency either in your home or at your business, the first step you need to take is to contact a local flood restoration service that can send out a professional plumber to assess the level of damage and implement a cleanup plan.

You should also:

  • Turn off your water at the mains as soon as possible
  • Try to locate the source of the leak
  • Attempt to remove as much excess water as possible to minimize damage
  • Open your windows to let any humidity out and start the drying out process
  • Take precautions to prevent future leaks and/or damage

Unfortunately, even if you are as vigilant as you possibly can be when it comes to issues relating to water damage, you could still be affected by a sudden leak or a particularly bad storm, so it is vital that you are insured to help pay for any damages and that you have a trusted, local plumber to call on if the worst happens.

Support Conservative Daily News with a small donation via Paypal or credit card that will go towards supporting the news and commentary you've come to appreciate.

Related Articles

Back to top button