Home flooding not only occurs to people living near large bodies of water or below sea level. It does not discriminate and might happen anytime for several reasons. But do not let this fact get you down. There are simple steps that can help improve your home’s flooding problem. However, the kind of preventive measures you’ll take will depend on the causes of your home’s flooding risks.
So let’s discuss the usual culprits of flooding to help you strategize should a flood find its way to your home.
What causes house flooding?
There are two forms of flooding, one that a homeowner can address and another that can’t be avoided. Although there are causes of flooding that can’t be prevented, knowing them can help you prepare and act responsively when it takes place. Below are the five leading causes of indoor flooding.
1. Faulty appliances
Home appliances are common culprits of water damage and home flooding. Unfortunately, home appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters can malfunction from time to time and may create devastating situations for your home when they do. Typically, older appliances or those that have worked hard for many years have more issues. This is why keeping a close eye on your appliances’ water lines as they age is essential.
Fix any bursts or cracks before the problem worsens and causes water damage to your home. Otherwise, you’ll have to hire a remediation company to address the water damage caused by your defective appliances. You may check their website for more information on their professional services.
2. Poor drainage
Floods caused by poor drainage are a huge inconvenience and a hazard that can destroy your walls, fixtures, and floorings. Opting for professional sewer lines and plumbing repair is less expensive than repairing flood damage due to poor drainage.
3. Leaking pipes
Broken or leaking pipelines are among the leading reasons for home flooding. Pipes leak or burst due to wear-and-tear issues, rust, improper installation, or changes in water pressure. A burst pipe can flood your home in minutes, causing extensive water damage to its structure and contents. Home flooding comes with health risks like mold growth, so homeowners should invest in proper structural restoration to maintain their property.
Does your home have water damage waiting to be addressed? Contact a water damage restoration company immediately to prevent exacerbating the situation.
4. Clogged drains
Hair, grease, dirt, and other things can quickly block drains and cause them to become inoperable. Leaking or burst pipes are common, and so is structural damage. Diseases, illnesses, and aggravation of health conditions may happen from simply ignoring drain cleaning. Left ignored, clogged drains can ruin other areas in the home. Pour boiling water into the drain once a month to dissolve soap scum, grease, and debris before it clogs your pipes.
5. Natural disasters
Snowstorms, hurricanes, and breaking dams can bring too much water into a home, resulting in a flood. Flood alarms and warning systems can help protect a home against natural disasters. If you live in a coastal area, purchasing additional flood insurance might help. Consider grading your lawn away from home or raising it on stilts to prepare for floods. If you need to leave your house for extended periods, consider doing this to prevent unwanted surprises when you return.
