Water damage can be devastating to a home or business, often resulting in costly repairs and major disruptions to your daily life. It’s a headache! Not to mention, where there’s water damage, there may be mold. Here are some of the top causes of water damage and some preventative tips you can take to mitigate it. 

1. Leaking or Burst Pipes

One of the most common causes of water damage is leaking or burst pipes. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including age, corrosion, and freezing temperatures. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to have your pipes inspected regularly by a professional. And it’s always a good idea to insulate your pipes during cold weather to prevent freezing. Check out our article 7 Ways to Prevent Burst Pipes.  

2. Plumbing Issues

Plumbing issues including clogged drains, broken water lines and overflowing toilets can also lead to severe water damage. These issues can be prevented by practicing good plumbing maintenance. Don’t flush non-flushable items down the toilet. Use drain guards to prevent hair and debris from clogging your pipes. 

3. Avoid Drop-In Cleaning & Bleach Tablets

According to the North Carolina Consumers Council (and every plumber we know), never use those drop-in bleach tablets in your toilet tank! They seem like a great idea to keep your toilet sparkling clean, but they’re known to cause severe damage to the rubber seals inside your toilet, causing unexpected water leaks and completely avoidable repair bills. Bleach and other cleaning tablets are caustic, which means they break down weaker materials over time. Those bolts that hold the tank to the toilet bowl aren’t very robust, nor are the rubber gaskets between those bolts and the ceramic tank. While it can take longer for the bolts to degrade from the bleach, those rubber seals will break down very quickly. You may find yourself with rusted bolts and a leaking toilet in as little as six months, meaning you will have to have all the inside materials of the toilet replaced in order to stop the leaks. And after that expense, you may as well get a new toilet!

4. Avoid Drano

Have a clogged drain or toilet? Another tip from every plumber we know is to avoid Drano. This temporary fix can wreak serious havoc on your plumbing system. Drano can cause PVC pipes to melt or break and the glue that holds pipes together can be eaten away. It can also cause toilet bowls to crack. While it may clear the obstruction temporarily, it may also leave you with an inoperable plumbing system that leads to leaks, severe water damage and costly repairs. 

5. Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are another common cause of water damage. This can happen after storms and heavy winds and rains. It also occurs more frequently in older homes. It’s important to have your roof inspected regularly and to repair any damaged or missing shingles as soon as possible. Additionally, make sure your gutters are clear of debris to prevent water from backing up and causing additional damage. Check out our article: 8 Warning Signs You May Need a New Roof to learn more about the red flags. 

6. Appliance Malfunctions 

Appliances including washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators can malfunction and cause water damage if they leak or overflow. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to inspect your appliances regularly for signs of wear and tear and to replace any damaged hoses or connections. Call the manufacturer for a licensed repair person if you need an inspection and assessment. Be sure to save all documentation to ensure it’s in tip-top shape. 

7. Weather Events & Natural Disasters

Major weather events and natural disasters including heavy rain, wind, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes can cause significant water damage. While it’s impossible to prevent these events from occurring, you can take steps to minimize the damage by sealing any cracks in your foundation, ensuring your roofing system is properly maintained, keeping your gutters clear, and elevating any valuables or appliances in your home.

Keeping your property, roofing, exteriors, and interior appliances in tip-top shape will go a long way in protecting your home or business from water damage. But even with the best planning and maintenance, life happens. Check out our article: 6 Steps to Take If You Have Water Damage to learn more.