7 Common Sources of Flood Damage in Idaho
A flood can be devastating, but there are some key things to watch out for to prevent water damage. In fact, it only takes a few precautions to prevent and mitigate the chance of damage that flooding causes. Here are some of the most common causes of flood damage in homes:
Faulty Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are a common cause of flooding. Sump pumps are usually installed in the lowest point in the home, and they remove water from a basement or crawl space. If your sump pump fails, it can lead to serious flood damage in your home.
The most common reason for sump pump failure is clogs. Clogged pipes can prevent water from flowing out of the basement or crawl space and into the sump pump, which prevents it from working properly.
Other causes of sump pump failure include power outages and age (the average lifespan for a well-maintained sump pump is 10 years).
Window Wells Filling With Water
Window wells are another common source of flooding in basements. There are several reasons why window wells can flood, including improper landscaping, lawn sprinklers, and heavy rain. To ensure that your window well is not going to be a problem, make sure you keep an eye on your sprinklers. If a large amount of water builds up, it will eventually reach the basement floor and can cause serious water damage. The best way to avoid needing flood repairs from your window well is to ensure landscaping carries water away from the house.
Flooding From Water Heaters
Water heaters are one of the most common sources of flood damage. Many homeowners don’t realize that their water heater can rust out and start leaking, which is where a lot of the flooding problems begin. Water heaters also overflow from time to time, causing water damage to your home and potentially causing mold growth as well if the flood is not cleaned up. If a water heater starts to leak onto the flooring in your bathroom or basement, it might be best to replace it with a new one before any major damage is done. It’s best to keep an eye on the water heater to make sure there is no rust or leaks.
Water Damage From Water Supply Lines
There are many water supply lines in homes that go to toilets, sinks, fridges, etc. Many homeowners experience problems with water supply lines, which can be broken, blocked or frozen. For example, a supply line that disconnects from a toilet can cause extensive water damage to your home and may require a flood restoration company if not caught in time. A broken water supply line is sometimes the result of random chance, but it’s good practice to keep an eye out.
Pictured: Water damage dry out being performed on home that flooded from a sink supply line. The floor is being dried from underneath to save the tile in the kitchen above.
Broken Appliances Cause Floods
Broken appliances, whether they are the result of a clogged drain or a malfunctioning appliance, can cause an overflow. If this happens, it could lead to serious water damage in your home. Appliances that use water such as washing machines, dishwashers, and even refrigerators are the appliances most commonly cause water damage.
Appliance failures are a common source of flooding in homes. They can break at random and without any prior warning which can cause problems for homeowners. If caught in time and taken care of by a restoration company the damage can be kept to a minimum.
Broken & Frozen Pipes
Broken pipes are one of the most common causes of flooding and water damage. The pipes that carry water from your home to the street, or within your home, can break for a variety of reasons. These include:
- Old age. The older a pipe is, the more likely it will break eventually. You may be surprised by how old some pipes are—some are in excess of 100 years old. This is because many cities have built over even older infrastructure that wasn’t properly maintained and replaced with newer technology over time as required.
- Freezing temperatures during winter months can also cause water lines to burst due to their expansion when they freeze quickly without warning (think: ice cubes). A common source of water damage is from hose bibs (spigots) freezing and breaking. This is very common in Idaho Falls and East Idaho where temperatures frequently drop below zero in winter months.
- Corrosion fatigue – this happens when corrosion eats away at metal or plastic throughout its lifetime until it becomes so weakened by age or wear and tear it can no longer support its own weight on its own accord without breaking under pressure like any other material would do naturally when worn out over time from regular use. This process happens slowly until suddenly one day you notice water everywhere around the break.
Foundation Cracks
Foundation leaks are a common cause of flood damage. Foundation leaks occur when the ground around your home’s foundation has become cracked, and water breaks through the structure and pools inside your home. If you notice that your foundation has cracks or imperfections it’s best to fix it before it becomes a flood. If ignored and allowed to let water into your home unchecked the water damage could lead to mold growth.
Awareness is Key
It is important to be aware of these seven common causes of water damage. The best way to prevent flooding is to check your home annually for these problems and take action if any are discovered. A qualified restoration company such as Flood & Fire Solutions can help you stop and repair water damage.