Without water, life simply isn’t possible. But for all of its vital qualities, water can also be extremely destructive inside your home. Water can cause significant damage if not dealt with immediately, from ruining carpets to weakening walls.
Los Angeles homeowners need to be able to spot the first signs of water damage before the problem gets out of hand. Water damage can come from all sorts of surprising sources, whether it’s a broken pipe or a leaky washing machine.
The water damage restoration experts at Save the Day Restoration are here to help. Here are the seven most common causes of water damage and how to spot them.
1. Plumbing Problems
A faulty plumbing system is one of the leading causes of water damage. Whether the leak was caused by corrosion, weak pipe joints, or high water pressure, it’s crucial to address plumbing problems promptly.
A few telltale signs that your home has a plumbing issue include:
- Low water pressure
- Discolored water
- Rotten egg or sulfur smells
- Several slow drains
- Soggy carpets
- Puddles in your yard
Sometimes, leaks can happen in hidden areas of your home. You should always call a professional plumbing company if you think your house has a leak.
2. Clogged Gutters
Another common culprit behind water damage is a clogged gutter. If dead leaves, branches, or other debris is clogging your gutters, the water won’t be able to drain correctly. This causes the excess water to overflow onto your roof or the sides of your house, potentially damaging your walls, ceiling, and floors.
It’s essential to regularly check to see if your gutters are clear and clean them if necessary. If you notice your gutters starting to sag, stain marks forming on the sides of your gutters, or water spilling over the edges, it’s time to clean them out.
3. Severe Weather
While Los Angeles County doesn’t suffer from snowstorms, severe thunderstorms and other natural disasters can cause water damage.
Surprisingly, this also includes fires. When a wildfire strikes, the water used to extinguish the flames might damage your property.
If you notice unusual green stains on your walls or ceiling or smell a musty odor after firefighters put out a fire, you might have a mold infestation. Mold is a telltale sign that your home has stagnant water lurking somewhere.
Luckily, Saves the Day Restoration specializes in water damage restoration and mold remediation. If you think your house has mold, give us a call. We offer 24/7 emergency services.
4. Appliance Issues
Faulty appliances, such as old washing machines and water heaters, are prone to leaks. This equipment typically malfunctions because of damaged hoses or water connections leading to the appliances.
If you notice puddles gathering by your washing machine, it might have a leak. Call an appliance repair service company to inspect the unit.
5. Sewage Backups
A sewage backup is the most dangerous cause of water damage. Sewer water is full of bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that are hazardous to your health.
If your septic system overflows, you should never attempt to deal with the problem alone. Call a team of specialists who can safely and efficiently clean up the mess.
Some early warning signs of a septic backup include:
- Gurgling drains
- Unusual odors coming from your showers, sinks, or drains
- Water backing up in the tub or shower
6. Blocked Toilets
A blocked or overflowing toilet can take its toll on your home quickly. Toilets typically get clogged due to solid waste, such as hair or paper, in the drainage system. The only thing you should be flushing down your toilet is toilet paper. Anything else can lead to an expensive mess.
If your toilet is blocked, you might notice gurgling noises, a full or overflowing toilet bowl, or slow drainage.
7. Malfunctioning Sprinkler System
Many Los Angeles homeowners use water sprinklers to keep their lawns lush. Or, you might have a sprinkler system inside your home that is activated during a fire. Either way, an old sprinkler can sometimes do more harm than good.
Most sprinkler systems last upwards of 20 years. If your system is older than that, it might be time for a new one.
Los Angeles’ Trusted Water Damage Restoration Company
If your home is affected by water damage, call the seasoned technicians at Save the Day Restoration. For over 15 years, our fully licensed, bonded, and insured staff has been restoring Southern California homes to their pre-accident beauty.
To learn more, contact us today by calling (562) 561-1574. We are available 24/7.
