Water damage refers to the destructive and degenerative effects that water can have on the property when there is unwanted water contact during floods or heavy downpours. Even though water is necessary to us it can also cause damage and losses that are just as significant as fires and earthquakes.
During a flood, water can destroy permanent parts of your home with tremendous and destructive force. It can also render appliances, electronics and furniture are unusable. What most people aren’t aware of is that water and moisture continue to damage your property long after a flood has subsided.
Even though you can’t see water, that doesn’t mean it's not there. Moisture will suspend in the air for long periods of time and water can seep into walls, ceilings and floors where it’s concealed from view continuing to do harm to property. Hidden moisture and water like this causes additional long-term damage and create health risks in the process.
Causes of Indoor Flooding
Indoor flooding is the most common cause of water damage to any structure. Flooding usually happens suddenly or while you are aways and is hard to stop. Below is a list of the most common causes of flooding within your living and working spaces.
Natural disasters – Storms and overflowing bodies of water can flood entire neighborhoods and there’s usually nothing we can do about it. This water can rush in uncontrollably, damaging property and threatening the lives of family and pets in the process.
Pipe leaks – Pipes can leak due to old, corroded or damaged parts. These conditions lead to ruptured plumbing often when there is fluctuating and excessive water pressure. Commonly the bathroom, kitchen or basement is first to flood then large portions of surrounding areas of the house.
Sewage overflows – Sometimes septic tanks and sewers leak or backup and overflow. When this happens blackwater can get into your structure and create an unsanitary health hazard and is a serious risk to your property.
Toilet overflows – Clogged or malfunctioning toilets have a tendency to overflow. In some cases, the overflow may be undiscovered for a long period of time allowing large portions of your home or office to flood. The water (sometimes blackwater from this kind of flooding is unsanitary and a health hazard and is a threat to your property.
Water Heater overflows – Your home or building’s water heater can be a source of flooding as well. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause a heater to continuously boil water, turning it into steam and building up massive internal pressure. When this happens, not even a heater’s metal body can sustain it, resulting in a burst. This allows water to escape and flood its surroundings. Complicating things is the fact that unheated water from the main supply line will rush in indefinitely until the problem is discovered.
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