6 Scenarios Where You Might Need Water Restoration Services
There are many sources of water damage, and they all can lead to trouble. Rotting wood, rusting steel, mold – all things we don’t want to find in our home or workplaces. When water intrudes where it shouldn’t, it wreaks havoc on not only the places we can see but also foundational areas we might not regularly access. Without proper attention immediately, the results can be hazardous.
One of the best ways to avoid water damage is identifying the common causes and understanding how to mitigate the risks. Keep reading to learn about six everyday scenarios that may require water restoration services (and a few prevention tips to keep handy).
Remember, though, sometimes even the best prevention methods can’t completely eliminate the risk of water damage. Don’t let it catch you off guard! You can be ready with a plan of action. Use our guide to prepare for a disaster or reach out to us to set up an appointment to create your Emergency Response Plan.
1. Leaky Roof
What happens when the roof over your head is leaky?
If you’re like most people, you put a trash can under the drip… drip… drip… until a roofer can come and patch it up.
Most people don’t realize that they’ll also need to contact a professional water restoration service provider to assess the damage under the roof and restore the affected areas. Water damage to your ceiling, ductwork, and interior spaces left unaddressed can lead to mold and unsound structure.
PREVENTION TIP: More often than not, a leaky roof is due to a lack of maintenance. We recommend that you have your roof inspected once a year to prevent leaks that can cause water damage.
2. Burst Pipes
Leaking pipes are one of the most common sources of water damage. Severe water damage can occur from dripping over time. When it comes to your pipes, the damage is not always something you can see. Areas that do not get a lot of traffic may go unnoticed, and pipes within the walls are not easily accessed.
Leaking pipes make way for bursts. When a pipe eventually ruptures, the result is a range of destruction. But one thing’s for sure: You’re going to need a professional restoration service provider to get your space back to normal.
PREVENTION TIP: Detecting moisture early is critical. A burst pipe often begins with a leak. Check your pipes often and make sure you know signs of water damage to keep an eye out for.
3. Appliance Leaks
Appliances are made to save us time and energy, but that’s sometimes not always the reality. From washing machines to HVAC units, appliances wear down and operations wane over time.
A leaky dishwasher can irritate the surrounding wood structures. A refrigerator’s clogged pipe or leaking defrost pan leads to mold growth. The fact is: appliances can cause serious water damage to your space.
PREVENTION TIP: Be mindful of your appliances. Check the surrounding areas for any signs of water damage, and when you notice a leak, cease use and schedule maintenance immediately.
4. Sewage Backup
Sewage backups are perhaps one of the most unpleasant water damage types.
Of course, a heavy storm can be the culprit – and that’s entirely out of your control. Other times, roots can grow into your pipes, inhibiting the flow of materials and leading to the mess.
No matter the source, the damage is catastrophic.
PREVENTION TIP: Schedule a professional to clean out your sewer line every other year to ensure no roots are blocking your pipes.
5. Fire Damage
When you think “fire,” you might not immediately think “water damage.” However, firefighters use hundreds of gallons of water to put out a major fire.
Afterward, a water restoration company will need to step in to repair the water damage you have and prevent further issues. Your restoration supplier will need extensive resources to revive the building from storage resources to smoke or soot damage tools.
PREVENTION TIP: Preventing water damage from fire starts with preventing the fire itself: (1) Make sure your smoke alarms are functioning properly. (2) Schedule regular maintenance on heating systems. (3) Avoid overloading your circuit breaker. (4) Be careful with open flames. (5) If using a fireplace, make sure protective safeguards are in place.
6. Rising Water
When the rain falls down, the flood comes up – and that can mean water damage. To prevent rising water from affecting your structure, make sure you have the proper precautionary measures in place.
PREVENTION TIP: Water sensors and flood detection systems can warn you when a problem is starting. Be mindful of your sump pump – test it regularly. And finally, consider backflow prevention valves for your drains to ensure water doesn’t enter through them.
Regardless of the source, water damage can cause serious problems in your space. If you’ve experienced any form of water damage, get help now by filling out this form or by calling the following phone numbers:
Water Damage Restoration – Louisville: 502-261-1755
Water Damage Restoration – Nashville: 615-822-9327