Water damage in homes is more common than you might think.

Just take a look at these stats:

• 14,000 people in the U.S. experience a water damage emergency at home or work each day.
• 98% of basements in the U.S. will experience some type of water damage during their lifespan.
• 37% of homeowners claim to have suffered losses from water damage.

As a homeowner, there might come a time when you experience water damage firsthand. But here’s the thing — there’s no shame in that. It doesn’t mean that you’re irresponsible. It can truly happen to anybody, even the uber-prepared.

Below we’ll share a few common culprits of water damage. When you’re aware of these culprits, you’ll be able to take more proactive steps to prevent water damage altogether.

Culprit #1: Leaking and burst pipes

Pipes can leak or burst for a variety of reasons. During colder months, water within your pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to crack and leak once the water melts.

Pipes can also leak or burst as a result of a blockage. When your drains or toilets get backed up, this can put undue pressure on the pipes, causing them to crack and leak.

Culprit #2: Household appliance malfunctions

Malfunctioning washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and hot water waters are another common culprit of water damage. Unfortunately, these appliances don’t always operate as well as they should — especially as they age and begin to deteriorate.

Culprit #3: Clogged gutters & roof leaks

If your gutters are clogged with debris like leaves and branches, they’re unable to work properly. In this case, water might flow over the edge of the gutters and run down the side of your home, seeping into your home’s foundation.

Roof leaks can also be caused by general wear and tear. As with anything, roof materials deteriorate with age — especially if the roof is subject to drastic temperature changes and harsh weather conditions.

Culprit #4: Weather-related issues

You shouldn’t ever feel ashamed of water damage in your home — but this is especially true when the culprit is something completely out of your control, like the weather. Storms and heavy rainfall can cause water buildup along the foundation of your home. Worst case scenario: this leads to water damage or flooding in your basement.

What to do if you experience water damage in your home

Remember — don’t beat yourself up. Like we said — water damage is quite common, and the fact that it happened to you doesn’t reflect a character flaw (far from it).

When you see signs of water damage, it’s best to act quickly. Often, the faster you act, the more money you’ll save. If it’s a plumbing or sewer issue, turn off the water at the main if you can do so safely. Then, contact a professional to visit your home and mitigate, assess, and repair the damage.

In situations like these, every second can count. At Revive, we’re proud to have the best response time in the industry. If you’re in the Madison area, keep us in mind in case you ever need help. We’re only a phone call away.

Sources:
Water Damage Defense