Clicky

Top 5 Causes of Water Damage

May 22, 2017

Water damage from weather-related or other problems is extremely destructive because homes today are not being made like they used to. It doesn’t take much for drywall to fail. Therefore, you need to stay prepared for an emergency and have a plan in place so that you can act quickly when water damage occurs.

What Are the Five Leading Cases of Water Damage?

water damage in homeLeaks from various sources are primary causes of non-weather related water damage. If there is a leak, water collects in a growing pool. Timeliness is important to protect your property from worse damage.

The leading causes of water damage include:

1. Weather-related problems

2. Plumbing system problems

3. Water buildup in spaces prone to water collection, such as basements, attics and crawlspaces

4. Leaky household appliances

5. Leaking HVAC system problems

Use Helpful Preventive Devices

Consider installing mechanisms that reduce the likelihood of harm from an influx of water. There are many devices that help reduce chances of water damage. Some devices reduce the likelihood of any water problem occurring while others functionally serve as alerts to lessen the severity of an emerging problem.

Helpful devices available include:

  • Reinforced hoses for dishwashers, washing machine and refrigerators
  • Water pressure-testing gauges
  • Water detection devices
  • Water sensor/shut-off devices
  • Sewer backflow valves
  • Sump pumps to remove groundwater from the basement

At ESOG, we offer waterproofing services to help you prevent and detect any water problems.

Take Precautionary Measures

There are several precautionary actions you can take to head off water damage from leaks:

  • Inspect and repair the roof
  • Trim trees and branches near your home
  • Clean gutters and downspouts
  • Make sure gutters and downspouts are in good working condition
  • Protect the foundation and basement

Splash blocks or downspout extension pipes direct the water away from the foundation. Check to see if you need to install these useful devices. To keep your basement dry and prevent flooding, the ground should adequately slope away from the foundation. As a precautionary measure, leave an adequate gap between the bottom of the drywall and the basement floor. This gap keeps moisture off from wetting the wallboard. Hide the gap with a rubberized floor trim or wood molding.

Show others in the household where the main switches for water and power are located. Teach children to inform adults when they see water collecting in unusual places inside the home. It is vital to spot a problem as soon as becomes visible so that you can prevent it from worsening. Prevention is the best remedy.

In Atlanta, natural and man-made causes commonly trigger water problems that often afflict basements and foundation. The structural engineering specialists at ESOG have the expertise you can rely on. Drywall is prone to structural damage from water, so to be safe, ask the experts for help. If you see a problem, ESOG foundation experts are waiting to help you. Do what you can to protect your property from water damage, starting today.