The Most Common Causes of Water Damage to Your Property

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Action shot of our technician restoring water damage.

Water damage is costly and stressful to you and your property. Property owners should be aware the most common water losses are preventable.

Listed below are some of the most common causes and preventative measures for dealing with water damage.

• Refrigerator Ice Maker Water Line: This occurs most often  when the water line that goes from the valve on the wall to the back of the refrigerator begins to leak from improper installation, accidental damage, or age. To prevent water damage inspect the condition of the water line periodically to assure there are no slow leaking connections that could turn into a flood. Sometimes the shut off value at the wall is the source of water leakage. Also, wireless WiFi enabled flood alarms are available to help detect water leaks under sinks, behind appliances and locations vulnerable to flooding.
• Leaky Toilets: Check the supply line that goes from the wall to the bottom of the toilet tank in all bathrooms. Make sure that it is securely in place and check for any water dripping from around the connections on either end. If you do detect water leaking from around the connections you will need to retighten or replace the line. Sometimes the shut off value at the wall is the source of water leakage. Another thing to look for is the condition of the fill valve and seal between the toilet tank and the toilet bowl. If there are cracks in the toilet tank or bowl, you may need to replace the toilet.
• Water Heaters: These tanks are what hold the hot water that supplies all the sinks, showers, and the washing machine in the property.  Because they are a large water container, when they’re full they have a lot of pressure inside. Also, because the tanks are usually made from metal, over time oxidation will corrode the tank and create small leaks that can grow larger in time. Periodically checking the floor around the hot water heater for moisture and checking the connecting lines at the top of the tank for leaking joints is a good practice. A pan is available to place under the water heater so that any small amount of water that may be leaking is contained in the pan giving the property owner a chance to correct the problem before a disaster occurs.
• Washing Machine Backups: It is important to recognize if water is not draining properly during the operation of the washing cycle. If the pipe on the wall is clogged the wastewater will back up in the standing pipe and overflow into the property. Cleaning the drain pipe will be required to allow normal operation.

Don’t Wait if Emergency Strikes

Water damage Incidents can happen even if you do your best to prevent them. If you do experience some kind of flooding in your property, you can count on SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park to provide expert advice and service all of your needs. We work with property owners throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 626-852-9922.