Sources Of Water Damage

One of the most frequent house insurance claims in the United States is for water damage. This is not at all surprising given the accessibility of water near our Bakersfield homes. With so many potential sources of water damage, it can be challenging to safeguard your property against potential water damage. 

Water Damage Restoration Bakersfield

Here are two of the most prevalent sources of water damage that can affect your home and what you can do to help prevent needing water damage restoration as a result. 

• Leaking or ruptured pipes are one of the most frequent – if not the most frequent- sources of water damage. Pipes may leak if connections are faulty or if they start to degrade over time. When internal pressure becomes too much for the pipe to withstand, it will burst. High water pressure and strain on your plumbing are sometimes caused by excessive water pressure coming into your home, blockages or buildup, or frozen water in pipes. The following are a few strategies you can implement to stop pipes from bursting and leaking:
  • Maintain clean and clear drains to prevent clogs and buildup that can reduce or restrict the flow of water
  • Insulate pipes that are exposed to colder temperatures 
  • Watch for signs of water damage near pipes, like puddles of water or condensation on pipes, so you can catch leaks before they require serious water damage restoration
  • Check pipe connections frequently to ensure they are tight and no water is able to leak between them
  • Monitor the water pressure going into your home by installing a pressure gage
• Worn-out or broken appliances, like washing machines and hot water tanks, can leave your home in need of water damage restoration. Every time hot water is used, hot water tanks refill themselves so that they can have a ready supply of hot water available. Because of this feature, when tanks fracture and leak, water will flow freely into your home until the supply is turned off. Each load of laundry in a washing machine can require anywhere from 20 to 40 gallons of water. This means that gallons and gallons of water can pour into your home when the water supply line becomes loose or springs a leak when doing a load of laundry. Here are a few strategies you can use to guard against potential water damage from the water heater tank and washing machine:
  • Perform routine maintenance on your water heater to prevent buildup inside the tanks that can cause increased pressure. Keeping pressure in the tank at a safe level will prevent leaks from occurring.
  • Install a pressure gauge on your water heater tank if it does not already have one, and check it regularly to ensure it is within safe levels. If the pressure is too high, call for a service visit.
  • Regularly inspect the water supply hose on your washing machine for signs of deterioration, cracking, or anything else that may compromise its integrity.

While these are only two common sources of water damage, the more you know about potential sources the more steps you can take to prevent your home from needing water damage restoration. For more information, or for water damage restoration services, give Alert Disaster a call.