What You Should Know about Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Palo Alto

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Our team is always ready to help you after busted pipes or other water related issues. SERVPRO of Palo Alto is the water restoration expert.

When you think about water damage, you probably think about thunderstorms, floods or other natural disasters. But most water damage in American homes is caused by the things we rely on to keep our lives running every day.

That’s right. Things like your appliances, plumbing and sewers (or septic tanks) are far more likely to cause water damage to your home than storms are. According to iPropertyManagement, a website that advises landlords and property managers, water damage that isn’t related to severe weather is the second-most common claim homeowners file.

What does that look like in dollars? In 2017, insurance companies paid out $13 billion in water damage claims.

Protecting your home

So, what are the common culprits causing water damage in homes? This list covers some of the top offenders.

The appliances in your kitchen can cause significant water damage. Dishwashers and refrigerators (specifically the ice maker) can flood areas when they malfunction. A slow, gradual leak that may go unnoticed at first can cause big damage later. But there are steps you can take to keep an eye on these possible issues.

Every few months, you can remove the plate at the bottom of your dishwasher while you’re running a cycle and look for leaks. You can check the supply line for your ice maker when you pull your refrigerator away from the wall to clean it.

Plumbing problems are another common cause of water damage. In general, plumbing pipes have a long lifespan. But you can watch for possible leaks by keeping an eye on your water bill. If it’s unusually high, there may be an issue. You can also pick up a water leak detector. Some of them even have apps for your phone.

Water heaters are another common culprit. The best way to prevent damage from your water heater is to replace it as needed. Depending on your model, most water heaters can last 10 to 20 years. You can check your water heater’s age by taking a look at the unit. It’s usually noted underneath it.

What happens if you can’t catch the leak?

Even the most diligent homeowners can sometimes miss a leak. Accidents happen. And when they do, it’s important to have your home professionally cleaned to protect you and your loved ones from mold and other issues that can arise after a water leak. That’s where our team of experts can help you.

Our team is always ready to help you after busted pipes, water heater leaks or appliance malfunctions damage your home. We’re here to talk with you ²⁴⁄₇ if you need to learn more about our water restoration process.