Did you know that nearly half of all homes in the United States will experience some type of water damage at some point during their lifetime? And, unfortunately, water damage is one of the leading causes of property loss. Despite this fact, many people still don't know how to properly deal with water damage or what to do if they experience it. In this blog post, we'll debunk five common water damage myths and provide you with the facts you need to know. Stay safe!
1. Myth #1 - Water damage only happens as a result of flooding
Water damage is water that has not been properly removed from indoor or outdoor surfaces. This water can also be in the form of ice, which damages insulation and supports the growth of mold.
Water damage can happen as a result of one large event, such as flooding, or it can come about due to smaller water leaks over time. Leaks are usually water damage that are discovered over time, because water seeps into the structure of the building unseen.
Water damage can be caused by water coming through cracks or holes in walls, ceilings and even floors. The water could potentially end up anywhere in your residence, including all four corners of every room.
Water damage is different from flooding, although water damage is a result of flooding. But water damage can be caused by water coming through cracks or holes in walls, ceilings and even floors. The water could potentially end up anywhere in your residence, including all four corners of every room.
Water damage can come from water that seeps into the structure of a building after a flood has occurred, but water damage can also happen via water-related events that don't involve flooding. For example, water damage can occur because of water leaks, faulty appliances and other water issues.
What's the difference between water damage and flooding?
The best way to avoid water damage is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Prevention includes unclogging drains and water-carrying devices, such as your toilet and tub. You also should inspect water-carrying appliances, like washing machines and dishwashers, for water leaks every six months.
If you know water damage is likely to occur in your home because of its age or location, you should take specific measures to protect your property
2. Myth #2 - Water damage is only caused by water
Have you been told water damage is always caused by water? Well, that's not the case! In fact there are a number of other common culprits that can be just as damaging.
Mold and mildew can cause water damage to your home even if water isn't involved at all! They begin growing when their spores come in contact with water. In other words, water damage may have been a factor in their initial growth but it's not what caused the water damage that you're experiencing now.
Airborne water particles can be just as damaging as water alone. These particles are often too small to see and they travel through the air throughout your home whenever water damage has occurred. As a result, water particles have the potential to cause water damage if allowed to settle on surfaces throughout your home.
In many instances water damage is caused by a combination of water and other water-related factors including water pressure, water temperature, and water pH level. This combination may not necessarily produce mold or mildew but instead can weaken your home's structure and even damage appliances.
3. Myth #3 - Water damage can only be repaired by professionals
Water damage can seem like a nightmare to deal with. The sooner water damage is addressed, the less damage there will be and the cheaper it will be for you later on. So water damage can be repaired by professionals!
It's important to act quickly after water has damaged your property - especially when water comes from inside instead of outside sources.
For water damage that results from a water line break, burst pipe or washing machine overflow, water should be cleaned up right away. Just make sure you wear rubber gloves and use water removal products to get the water out of your home.
Depending on the extent of the water damage, it may be necessary for water damage repairs to include water extraction followed by water removal and water damage restoration . If water has been sitting stagnant on your floors or carpets for more than 24 hours, water extraction will be required.
For water that comes from external sources such as rain or water run-off from a nearby area, call the water company to clean up the water as soon as possible. When water runs into water you don't want it to, water damage can spread quickly throughout your home.
For water that comes from internal sources like water heater water supply lines leaks, dishwasher water supply line leaks or refrigerator water supply line leaks , act fast! Internal water can cause significant damage to your appliances and result in mold growth if not addressed immediately.
Water damage can impact your belongings, water damage appliances and water damage carpets. Dry out water-damaged belongings quickly to avert any further water damage.
4. Myth #4 - You don't need to take precautions against water damage if you live in a dry climate
Myth: You don't need to take precautions against water damage if you live in a dry climate
Truth: According to the US Fire Administration, water damage is one of the leading causes of property loss. And, while water can cause intangible damage like emotional distress when it damages your things, water damage can also pose real health risks when not treated by professionals.
Myth: You only need water damage restoration services if water comes through your pipes
Truth: Water damage doesn't always come from water coming through your pipes. While water damage due to pipe leaks and well water issues is a reality water damage professionals face, water damage can come from other sources as well.
5. Myth #5 - Water damage can only occur in the home's basement or lower level
For water damage to occur in the home, water must come into contact with a property's foundation or exterior walls. For this reason, water damage is often thought of as only occurring in the basement or lower levels of a building.
However, water can also cause damage if it comes into contact with electrical outlets located on upper floors and is carried by water flow to the water source.
Eliminating water damage is best handled by creating a proper home maintenance program and hiring water damage restoration professionals when an issue does arise.
Conclusion paragraph:
We hope this article has helped to clear up some of the top water damage myths. If you have any questions or need help with a water emergency, please don’t hesitate to contact Cali's Choice Plumbing & Restoration. We are here to help 24/7.
Author Bio:- Jacqueline Lewis
Jacqueline is a content marketing manager who formerly worked at Cali's Choice Plumbing & Restoration. She is a writer, editor, and content strategist for plumbing services. Making her knowledge and skills a power, she amplifies the readers’ knowledge about the ways of water leak and slab leak detection and their reciprocation.
Through her articles, she shares the most successful tactics and strategies of slab leak repair, mitigating blockages through Hydro Jetting, and AC & heater installation tips to the audience.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalisChoice
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