When it ends up where it shouldn’t, water can be a highly destructive force. Worryingly, it can strike at any time, too.
Without doubt, water damage ranks among the top concerns of businesses and homeowners in Wilmington, NC.
With often widespread and costly consequences, water damage can affect a property in many ways, including serious structural damage, warped floors, discolored paint and the formation of dangerous mold colonies.
Here, the experts at Pride Restoration of NC, Inc. take a look at some of the most common causes of water damage.
1) Extreme weather
Without doubt, inclement weather is the leading cause of water damage in Wilmington, NC.
Throughout North Carolina, heavy rainfall, flooding, thunderstorms, hurricanes and other natural disasters are known to cause significant water damage to properties.
For example, strong winds can damage roofs and, combined with heavy downpours, can lead to rainwater entering directly into the premises.
In other cases, extreme weather can also lead to flashflooding which is particularly bad news for properties located on low ground or in a flood-prone area.
Filling in cracks, ensuring that doors and windows are well sealed and carrying out regular checks and roof maintenance can help to protect against weather-related causes of water damage.
2) Faulty plumbing
The main cause of non-natural flooding is issues with faulty plumbing.
Burst and leaking pipes can cause significant water damage. However, these can often be difficult to diagnose. For example, a slowly dripping pipe inside a wall can be near impossible to find without professional equipment.
Conversely, if the hoses, seals and valves that feed a major appliance (washing machines, dishwashers etc.) burst, this can quickly leak large quantities of water throughout a property, potentially leading to significant water damage.
Water heaters also become increasingly likely to leak the older they get. Therefore, regularly checking appliances, and the pipes that feed them, can avoid such catastrophes.
Likewise, if any signs of a leak are spotted, including discolored or peeling walls, ceilings or surfaces, action should be taken immediately.
3) Roof leaks
As the first line of defense for any property, having a roof leak can cause significant water damage.
Water that enters through a roof leak can damage the ceiling and surrounding walls, resulting in discoloration, peeling paint and, eventually, structural damage to the roof itself, which can be costly to repair or replace.
This water can also damage electrical systems, especially light fixtures, causing them to short circuit or cause an electrical fire.
If left untreated, the moist environment created by a roof leak can also lead to issues with mold and mildew, as well as damage to roof insulation, reducing its effectiveness and leading to higher heating and cooling costs.
In order to prevent water damage caused by roof leaks, it’s important to have regular roof inspections and to address any issues as soon as they are detected.
4) Sewage backup
Overwhelmed or blocked sewers can lead to sewage entering through floor drains, toilets and sinks, causing significant damage – and also contamination – to floors, walls and personal belongings.
This is especially common in areas where the sewer system is outdated or poorly maintained.
But there is a solution: having a backwater valve installed on the sewer line is a simple step that can prevent sewage from flowing backwards into the property.
5) HVAC system failure
Faulty HVAC units are another example of malfunctioning appliances that can cause water damage.
If the drain pan or condensate drain line is damaged or clogged with dust or dirt, water leakage can cause damage to floors and walls, including damp insulation, throughout a building.
Again, regular checks and maintenance can prevent this.
6) Poor drainage
Extreme weather can also find its way into a property if the drainage is poor.
If the guttering is clogged up with leaves, branches or other debris, this water may overflow and run down the walls instead, in search of cracks or other entry routes.
In conjunction with poor drainage or grading in the yard, this can lead to water accumulating around the property’s foundation – potentially bad news for the structure.
This is why it’s vital that gutters, downspouts and drains are checked periodically and cleaned, if necessary.
The same applies to interior drains for kitchen and bathroom sinks, wet rooms and bathtubs. These can quickly back up thanks to an accumulation of hair, grease buildup, toiletries, dirt and other residue.
An overflowing toilet is another common problem caused by a clogged or blocked drain. If the clog doesn’t allow for a full flush, a bathroom can quickly fill with contaminated water.
Contract professional water damage experts
For those worried about the effects of water damage in Wilmington, NC, contacting a professional water damage restoration company can be massively helpful. Not only can they advise on keeping a property safe from flood damage, they can also return properties to their original condition after damage has hit.
The water damage restoration professionals at Pride Restoration of NC, Inc. not only have the right equipment for the job, but they also have specialized training, experience and knowledge of industry best practices to properly dry and restore the structure to prevent further damage and mold growth.
They know how to identify the extent of the damage, develop a plan of action and implement the appropriate restoration techniques for all types of water damage.
You can contact Pride Restoration of NC, Inc. through their online form or give them a call now on (910) 302-3155!
