The 5 Most Common Causes of Water Damage in your Lehigh Valley Home

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage happens quickly. Call SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem & Whitehall when disaster strikes.

As a homeowner, you should be aware of all the possible things that could happen to your home. Storm damage, wind damage- and, most frequent of all, water damage. As homeowners, you think things like this would never happen to you, but if they, everyone should be prepared. Below are the 5 most common causes of water damage in a home and advice to help you be more prepared.

1. Air Conditioner- your air conditioner might seem to be working just fine, but it’s important to get regular service checks (at least once a year) to make sure nothing is malfunctioning behind the scenes. Your A/C removes moisture from the air and sometimes that moisture builds up. If not properly drained, that water could be slowly leaking into your home- potentially ruining the flooring and drywall and, in many cases, introducing mold.
2. Dishwasher- dishwashers are another possible culprit of water damage in your home. Your dishwasher can cause water damage if not properly sealed, meaning the latch is broken, or if it was loaded with the wrong soap. Make sure that any leaks are immediately addressed and that your dishwasher is repaired or replaced ASAP, so you can avoid costly damage to you kitchen
3. Washing Machine- perform regular checks on your washing machine, inspecting beneath the unit as well as behind it. Make sure all fittings are securely connected, and that the underbelly of the washing machine isn’t leaking any water beneath the unit.
4. Leaking Pipes- it might be obvious, but water damage in a home is often caused by leaky pipes. A leak in one place in your home could signify leaks in other areas, too. If you notice spikes in your water bill, a leak is likely present and needs to be addressed before additional damage is caused to you foundation, flooring, and other areas in a home.
5. Clogged Drains- clogged drains aren’t just annoying, they also cause water damage (and mold growth) if left unchecked. If your toilet is clogged, it means that not only can you NOT use the toilet, but you will likely also experience water backing up into the shower, sinks, or bathroom floor. Sewer water is extremely dangerous because it contains raw sewage and bacteria, and must be cleaned by a professional. If the kitchen sink is backing up, you may experience sink overflow and subsequent damages to you kitchen floor and cabinetry.

If you notice any signs of water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Easton, Bethlehem & Whitehall to make it “Like it never even happened.” 800-455-9453