Home flooding not only happens to people living near large bodies of water or below sea level. It doesn’t discriminate and may happen anytime for numerous reasons. But do not let this statement get you down. There are simple steps that can help improve your home’s flooding problem. However, the type of preventive measures you’ll take will depend upon the causes of your house’s flooding risks.
So let’s talk about the frequent culprits of flooding to help you strategize should a flood find its way to your house.
What causes house flooding?
There are two types of flooding, one that a homeowner can manage and another that can’t be prevented. 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. Clogged drains
Hair, dirt, grease, and other elements 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 occur from simply ignoring drain cleaning. Left neglected, clogged drains can ruin other places in the home. Pour boiling water into the drain once a month to dissolve soap residue, grease, and debris before it blocks your pipes.
2. Leaking pipes
Broken or dripping pipelines are among the biggest reasons for house flooding. Pipes leak or burst due to wear-and-tear issues, rust, wrong 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 repaired? Contact PuroClean property restoration services right away to prevent exacerbating the situation.
3. Poor drainage
Floods caused by poor drainage are a huge inconvenience and a risk that can ruin your walls, fixtures, and floorings. Opting for professional sewer lines and plumbing repair is less expensive than repairing flood damage due to poor drainage.
4. Defective appliances
Household appliances are common culprits of water damage and home flooding. Unfortunately, home appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters can malfunction periodically and may cause catastrophic situations for your home when they do. Typically, older appliances or those that have worked hard for several years have more issues. This is why keeping a close eye on your appliances’ water lines as they age is necessary.
Fix any bursts or cracks before the problem worsens and causes water damage to your house. Otherwise, you’ll need to hire a water remediation company to address the damage caused by your malfunctioning appliances.
5. Natural disasters
Snowstorms, typhoons, and breaking dams can bring too much water into a home, leading to a flood. Flood alarms and alert systems can help protect a home against natural disasters. If you reside in a coastal area, buying 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.
