Black Water

Owning a home comes with a large set of responsibilities. Aside from the financial obligations such as the mortgage and property tax, there are a great deal of maintenance and upkeep items that must be performed to ensure your home is kept in peak condition. Then, depending on where you live there are the natural world’s considerations; Storms, eathquakes, wind & fire.

In the State of California the leading cause of property damage to homes is water. Unlike many other states the source of water damage is typically not from the elements. Rather it is a result of failed appliances & poorly maintained plumbing systems that wreak havoc on unsuspecting homeowners. And depending on the type of insurance you may have & the deductible amount, often times homeowners are left to spend good money out of their own pockets to remedy and repair the damages incurred.

Below we have outlined 4 of the most common causes of water damage that we see in homes everyday.

1. Air Conditioners

Air conditioners are much like hot water heaters. We use them nearly everyday (AC in the Summer & Water Heaters year round) but they are rarely given as much as a thought until they fail to function properly. Adhering to a regular service schedule can help avoid failure of an ac unit and ensure that it performs optimally. Air Conditioners work by cooling and pumping air throughout vents in your home. One vital part of the process involves removing excess moisture from the air before it enters your home. That moisture can often times begin to build up within the A/C unit itself. If that water is not drained properly, it could begin to slowly leak into your home causing damage to flooring, drywall, and creating an environment for mold to thrive in.

2. Dishwashers

Failed dishwashers are a very common cause of flooding in residential homes. Failed sealing or a clogged drain line running from the dishwasher into your homes plumbing can cause water to leak from the dishwasher and onto the flooring of your home. For hardwood floors, pooling water can begin to warp wood in a matter of hours! For other laminates or artificial flooring damage can take longer to occur. You will do well to address a dishwasher leak immediately upon it’s discovery. Call in an appliance repair company or a local plumber to repair or replace a leaking dishwasher immediately. The small cost for repair will save you thousands in the long run!

3. Washing Machines

4. Leaking Pipes

One of the more obvious items on the list, leaking pipes are the leading cause of water damage in homes across the state. From pinhole leaks underneath the slab foundation to loose pipe fitting under a bathroom sink; there are no shortage of ways leaking pipes can contribute to water damage. Whenever you notice water pooling in any area of your home it is best to call a leak detection plumber in immediately. A qualified company will be able to locate the source of the leak and repair it quickly and affordably.

5. Clogged Drains

As if the annoyance of dealing with a clogged drain isn’t enough, the fact that they can also lead to severe water damage and mold growth only intensifies the issue. When water backs up into showers, sinks, and toilets you will have an even more severe issue on your hands. Blackwater is a term used to describe water that contains pathogens, like water that comes back up from toilets. This blackwater can overflow a homes plumbing system leading to serious damages that require professional help to remedy. Scheduling frequent drain cleanings and dealing with clogged drains effectively and regularly can help to avoid this costly issue.