Between storms, plumbing accidents, and appliance issues, the average Kissimmee homeowner has plenty to worry about when it comes to water damage. Luckily, our water damage experts at FP Property Restoration have seen it all, and know how to make sure you avoid the pitfalls that could befall your house. Keep reading for the top seven things that can cause water damage in your Kissimmee home, and remember that FP Property Restoration is available 24/7 for your emergency needs.
The 7 Most Common Causes of Water Damage
- Plumbing Problems: From leaky connections to burst pipes, a lot can go wrong with your plumbing system. The good news is that you can often spot plumbing issues before they get out of control. Look out for rust on your pipes and pooling water under sinks and drains. If you live in a part of the country where temperatures reach below freezing, you may also want to insulate parts of your plumbing system, to avoid frozen pipes (though this is not an issue in Florida.) Most importantly, have a good plumber on standby, so you can call someone to take care of your plumbing equipment before you end up with serious water damage on your hands.
- Backed Up Toilets: While we’re on the topics of plumbing equipment, we might as well talk about toilets. Almost every homeowner has dealt with a clogged toilet at some point, and while you can often get rid of toilet clogs with a standard plunger, more serious blockages can lead to overflows and subsequent water damage. The best way to prevent this from happening is simply to avoid flushing things down your toilet that do not go there—i.e. cotton balls, tampons, paper towels, wet wipes; basically, avoid flushing anything other than waste and standard toilet paper.
- Sewage Leaks: Sewage problems can stem from multiple issues with your appliances, including your toilet. The biggest sewage hazard of all, however, is your septic tank, which is essential for getting rid of waste but can get backed up and even overflow if you are not emptying it every few years. It is important to stay on top of this, watching out for nasty sewage smells in your house, especially when it rains. Exposure to toxic sewage waste is extremely bad for everyone in your family, so always stay on top of this, and call a plumber and a restoration company ASAP if you experience a sewage leak in your home.
- Air Conditioner Leaks: Not as problematic as sewage leaks but still capable of causing serious water damage, air conditioning leaks are too often ignored by homeowners. This can create a problem where water damage builds up over time, until you are dealing with a nasty issue like mold growth. To prevent this from happening, make sure that your AC ducts are not clogged, that your system’s drain pipe is working correctly, and that you are changing your HVAC filters on a regular basis.
- Old, Word Out Appliances: As we’ve already talked about, a faulty appliance can spell disaster when it comes to home water damage. The biggest cause of these appliance malfunctions? Age. Whether it’s clogs in your washing machine hoses or leaks in your water heater’s connections, eventually, even the best appliances are likely to become worn out. That’s why it is always important to replace your appliances once they have reached the end of their lifespan, and to not put off service if you notice signs they are malfunctioning.
- Is Your Washer Leaking from the Bottom? A leaking washer can cause significant damage to your home if it is not repaired right away. It is most likely caused by a loose or punctured drain hose, a faulty drain pump, or a worn-out tub-to-pump hose. If you notice water repeatedly pooling up around the base of your washer or in your laundry room, contact a water restoration specialist right away.
- Clogged Gutters/Downspouts: Gutters are another component of your home that too often go overlooked. When they get clogged, water can start to pool outside your house or on your roof, eventually leading to cracking, overflows, and leaks that affect the inside of your home. To avoid accidental flooding and mold growth, is a good idea to inspect your gutters and downspouts regularly, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain. Speaking of which…
- Storms/Severe Weather: Storms are the one cause of home water damage that you cannot prevent. However, you can control how prepared you are for when a storm or other severe water event arrives. Check out our guide for how to prepare for when a storm hits your home, and if you live in an area that is occasionally affected by hurricanes, communicate with your insurance company ahead of time so you know what is covered in the event of a major storm.
For more information on water damage and how to prevent it, call FP Property Restoration now at (888) 408-2335, or fill out our contact form online.