If you’re a homeowner, odds are you will face the treachery of water damage at some point throughout your time in your house. Water can cause all sorts of problems and leave you paying for expensive solutions, like home foundation repairs. What are the most common causes of water damage in your home? The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety compiled a list to help homeowners be on the lookout for likely sources of water damage.
- Toilet Trouble – The toilet is one of the main culprits of excess water in your home due to it clogging or overflowing. It is fairly obvious when a toilet is malfunctioning. You will either not be able to flush it because of a clogged drain, or you will notice water flowing over the seat and onto your bathroom floor. How do you stop this from happening? Regularly check your toilet for signs of damage and make any necessary repairs.
- Problems With the Plumbing – According to the IBHS, plumbing issues often cost homeowners over $5,000 in repairs. Freezing pipes over the winter months are a common cause of plumbing failure. Homeowners should run water from the faucet if temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. Stains, rust and dampness around the foundation of your home are all signs of plumbing failure.
- Broken Washing Machine – Exploding washing machine hoses are one of the biggest causes of washing machine failure. These hoses pump a lot of water to and from the machine during use, and when they get too stressed, they can explode. How can you be a little easier on your washing machine? Try doing smaller loads of laundry.
What is the Result of Water Damage from These Problems?
All of these malfunctions cause excess water in your home, which, if left unattended, can destroy everything from furniture to floors. If water reaches your foundation, this can mean major structural damage that calls for expensive house foundation repair. Home foundation repair costs can run upwards of $5,000, with concrete foundation repairs often being even more.
Keep your eye open for signs of water damage if you want to avoid calling on expensive foundation repair contractors to rescue your home. Take preventative measures, and take care of problems as soon as you notice them.