Most Common Causes of Water Damage, And How To Prevent Them 

Water Damage is one of the most common household issues that homeowners face because there are so many causes, and water is a constant, necessary part of every home. That being said, it can be inconvenient, costly, and dangerous when water gets where it shouldn’t, and causes water damage. We at Challis Restoration Services have put together a list of the most common causes of water damage that we see in homes around Cedar Rapids, along with our suggestions for how to prevent water damage resulting from them in your home. Here they are: 

Common Causes of Water Damage In Cedar Rapids: 

1. Broken pipes. Broken/leaky pipes usually happen as a result of one of two things. First, frozen pipes that thaw and then burst. You can prevent this cause of a burst pipe by insulating your pipes, either with help from a professional, or by yourself with a product like heat-insulating tape for pipes, which can usually be found at a local hardware store. Second, pipes that burst because the pressure of the water flowing through them is too high. To prevent this, you can install a water pressure monitor on pipes to ensure that the pressure on them doesn’t get too high. One practice concerning your pipes that will grant peace of mind is to watch your water bill each month and monitor for any unexpected increases. If it goes up suddenly one month, you probably have a small leak somewhere on a pipe. 
2. Clogged gutters. This is a common one as well. Gutters that don’t drain properly can erode away and send water right onto and into the surfaces of your home, causing water damage fast. To prevent this kind of water damage, remove debris and blockages from gutters, and ensure that there aren’t dents causing standing water in your gutters. In addition, point your downspouts away from your home so that water runs away when it drains. 
3. HVAC units. Your air conditioning unit should be serviced regularly to avoid a buildup of condensation inside. This prevents leaks, and mold and mildew growth. 
4. Sewage backups. Due to severe weather and limited capacity of the system, sometimes sewage can back up into your sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. Sewage contains hazards and should be dealt with by a professional. There is not a lot a homeowner can do to prevent this type of water damage, although it is (luckily) less common than some of the others. 
5. Appliance leaks. Make sure to keep up with maintenance of your washing machine, dishwasher, hot water tank, and refrigerator and their associated hoses. If you see pools of water by machines, investigate and try to find the source. Do not run washing machines or dishwashers while you aren’t home. 

We hope these tips can help you avoid common water damage. Of course, if you have already sustained water damage, we recommend calling a professional in to help with restoration. For water damage restoration in the Cedar Rapids area, we at Challis Restoration Services would be honored to be your resource!