Common Water Damage Problems in Columbia, MO

Water is more than just a life-giving source. It can also be an incredibly destructive force when it ends up in places it’s not meant to be. It’s especially damaging to property, and next to a fire, it is one of the most damaging potential disasters a homeowner could face. Water damage restoration in Columbia, MO, is crucial to getting homes back to normal and mitigating further damage.

One of the most challenging parts of dealing with water damage is that no two projects are the same. The water can come from a variety of sources, and each presents its own unique problems. Some can be small leaks that lead to hidden water damage with months of mold growth. Other water damage problems can be pipe bursts that spill thousands of gallons of water into a home. Knowing the prevention tips for secondary water damage can help homeowners be proactive, reducing potential risks.

Since there are so many different ways a home can be impacted, homeowners should be familiar with the common water damage problems. The following are just a few of the typical sources of water damage that a homeowner needs to look out for.

Severe Weather & Natural Disasters

Water damage caused by severe weather is one of the most unpredictable and devastating events a homeowner can face. Thunderstorms and heavy rain can quickly lead to water flooding a home. This is especially true if the severe storm has damaged the roof, windows, or doors that would normally protect the house from the elements. 

Whether the homeowner is dealing with flash flooding or a leaking roof, the damage can be costly and hard to prevent. Fortunately, a water damage restoration company can respond in emergency situations to help mitigate the damage with temporary construction, tarping, and boarding.

Clogged or Poor Gutter Drainage Systems

Most homeowners don’t give much thought to their gutter systems, but they actually play a huge role in protecting property from water damage. The whole point of a gutter system is to redirect the flow of water away from a house, but it can get clogged by dirt, debris, sticks, leaves, and even animals. 

When this happens, water can start to run down the side of the house and damage the walls. It can also cause water to pool around the foundation. If the foundation has weak points, the water could also enter the home through the cracks. 

Appliances

Household appliances bring about a lot of conveniences when they work right. They can save you so much time by washing your clothes and dishes. Hot water heaters make showers much more enjoyable, but as much as these appliances benefit homeowners, they can also create problems. 

Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters are some of the leading culprits of water damage in homes. Typically, the leaks are small and unnoticeable, but they can lead to mold growth, rot, and other secondary issues. Most leaks occur from clogs in the drain lines or bad connections with the water supply lines.

Read About - Water Cleanup After An Appliance Leak

Clogged Drains

People put their drains through a lot. Grease, hair, dirt, and other debris can build up in the drains causing an obstruction. In some cases, they may become clogged with toys or other foreign objects that mysteriously end up in the toilet, tub, or sink. 

While most clogs can be caught before they cause a problem, there are cases where they can lead to water damage. If homeowners don’t deal with the clog immediately, they could end up having water spill over from their toilet, kitchen sink, or shower. 

Flooded Basement

Basements are great for adding extra living space to a home. They can be finished and used as a recreation area or extra bedroom. Some homeowners may choose to leave their basements unfinished for extra storage. Regardless of how the room is used, it can be devastating when water floods a basement.

Unfortunately, this is an all too common occurrence, especially for people who live in areas prone to flooding. While sump pumps can help to prevent damage, they can fail, leaving a home susceptible to thousands of dollars of water damage. Some basement flooding is caused by snowmelt or heavy rain, but it can also come from internal sources like those appliances mentioned earlier. 

Read About - Tips For Flooded Basement Cleanup

Discover More of the Common Water Damage Problems Homeowners Face in Columbia, MO

To find out more about common water damage problems that impact homes in Columbia, homeowners should contact ABC Environmental Contracting Services. Their highly trained water damage specialists have served the Columbia area for over a decade, so they have seen water damage of all types. 

Their professionals can be reached 24/7 for emergency services when homeowners call (573) 928-2668. They also offer a convenient online form that customers can submit to request a free, no-obligation quote.