Was that the sound of a drip? Did you see a stain on the ceiling? Or was it a squishy step on the wet carpet? They all are indicators of trouble in your home. While you can’t predict every possible cause of water damage, take the steps you can to prevent a future disaster. The most common causes are:
Air Conditioners
Even when your A/C seems to be working properly, have it serviced annually to check for cracks in the overflow drain pan. Ensure the air filter is not clogged with dirt or the condensate line is plugged up with debris. All could cause a leak, which could damage the flooring, drywall, or allow mold build up.
Washing Machines, Dishwashers and Hot Water Heaters
Keep an eye on newly replaced appliances. Make sure that all of the fittings are connected securely. Inspect underneath, as well as behind the unit, for the first several uses. Over the years, continue to check for aging parts. Dishwashers leak if they are not sealed properly, if the latch is broken or if the dishwasher was loaded with the wrong soap. Use a flashlight and look for signs.
Water heaters corrode or degrade over time. Be vigilant and have faulty parts (or the entire unit) replaced at the first sign of damage. If your hot water heater or washer is located on a second story, consider placing a pan under the appliance to catch any small spills and buy you some time.
Clogged Drains and Leaking Pipes
Immediately deal with clogs. When a toilet is clogged, not only the toilet is unable to be used, but most likely water backing up into the shower and sink. If a kitchen sink drain backs up, your kitchen flooring and cabinetry could be damaged.
Another way to tell if you have a leaking pipe is an unusual increase in your water bill. If a leak is present, address and repair before there is any additional damage to the foundation of the home, flooring, or landscaping.
Acts of Nature
More than any of these other causes, this is one that you simply cannot control. A thunderstorm could send a tree down on your house, letting in a gusher of rainwater. Or, the remnants of a tropical storm could cause localized flash flooding. If you discover standing water in your home, stay safe!
Contact a professional water remediation team with a 24-hour service team such as G.S. Jones to help you deal with water-damaged items. G.S. Jones also offers repair and rebuild services after such a loss.
Long range protection
No matter how well you maintain your home, accidents happen. When they do, G.S. Jones provides water damage restoration services to commercial and residential properties. Call 412-766-6886 for 24-hour response to water damage emergencies, and they will dispatch a team right away to secure your property and take steps to mitigate the damage.