Floods do not give you a “heads up” or an estimated time for their arrival. In fact, they tend to come when you least expect it: right before leaving town for that vacation, in the middle of the night, or right after you get some new furniture. While we can’t help you plan out when a flood will come, we can certainly help you minimize your chances of having one through various preventive measures and routine checks. The first step in preventing a disaster is by knowing what can cause it. We asked our restoration team for the top causes of residential floods to help property managers and residents avoid costly water damage.
You guessed it - faulty pipes lead to leaks or bursts and are the number one cause of residential floods. This is why it is vital to check your pipes regularly, make sure they are professionally installed, and properly insulated. We tend to see more floods in the winter months because as water freezes it expands, putting pressure on the pipes and causing them to burst. Given that temperatures usually get the lowest at night, many residents wake up to a flood that has had time to do some significant damage. As the fall comes to an end, we recommend doing a check on all your pipes and installation to stay on top of their maintenance.
Backed up sewer lines are not only gross and unsanitary but also dangerous. Severe toilet clogs, imposing tree roots, and overwhelmed city systems are just a few of the many causes that can push sewage into your home. Most plumbers recommend a one-way valve that prevents sewage from flowing back from the main sewer line during a clog. On a more practical note, keep non-flushable items out of the toilet (seems like common sense but we see this happen often). A good rule of thumb is that if it is not toilet paper, don’t flush it!
One of the sneakiest sources for water leaks are appliance malfunctions, which are often slow at first but very quickly can become costly. We recommend investing in stainless steel-braided hoses (more durable than rubber) for appliances such as your washer machine. Realistically speaking, you probably are not going to be checking these regularly. The best option is to invest up front, make sure appliances are installed correctly, and practice precautionary measures. Precautionary measures include checking for dampness around the unit monthly, maintaining seals, and trying not to run appliances when you are not home or at night. It is also great practice to turn off your water source when you leave town. Water damage is always worse when left unchecked.
In conclusion, regular pipe maintenance, plumbing and safety measures, and investing in quality materials are simple ways to stay on top of flood prevention. By proactively addressing the threats presented in this blog, property managers and residents can avoid costly repairs and experience peace of mind.
Blog post written by: Aysha Martin
