What is the most common cause of water damage?

How common is water damage in a house?

Water damage affects around 14,000 people in the U.S. every single day. Said another way, about 1 in 60 insured homes make a claim for water or freezing damage each year. On a percentage basis, this translates to 1.6% of homes nationwide that will experience water damage in any given year.

What are the first signs of water damage?

Peeling, bubbling, or flaking paint. Small hairline cracks or a larger, spiderwebbed pattern of cracks. Water rings, usually a light brown color. Mold growth, especially in corners where walls and ceilings meet, and often in humid rooms or locations such as basements.

What is the biggest concern with water damage?

The biggest concern when dealing with any type of water damage is the risk of mold growth. Mold can begin to form if the wet areas are not dried completely. Mold can impact the health of anyone who breathes it in but it can really take a toll on those who have allergies, asthma, and/or a weakened immune system.

What are some examples of water damage?

Examples of water damage include flooding, sewer backup, broken pipes, leaky plumbing, and more.

5 Common Causes of Water Damage

When should I worry about water damage?

Early warning signs of water damage are peeling or bubbling paint or wallpaper. Over time, they will become bloated or warp. In severe cases, walls and ceilings may feel spongy to the touch. Wet flooring can go unnoticed too, especially if it's only wet in the corners or in rooms that are used infrequently.

What causes water loss in a home?

Water leakage is a serious issue inside a house which should be dealt with in urgency. There are quite a number of factors and reasons contributing to water leakage – it may be leaking plumbing lines or corrosion in plumbing lines, cracks in the walls, damaged waterproofing in the roof, or a leaking AC.

Where is the most common water leak in a house?

Does homeowners insurance cover water leaks?

Water damage to your property is usually covered as a standard feature in your buildings insurance policy. Often referred to as 'escape of water' by insurers, it can be caused by several issues, from burst pipes due to freezing temperatures, to a leaking dishwasher or an overflowing blocked toilet.

What does mild water damage look like?

The most obvious sign of water damage in the wall is discoloration or stains on your walls or ceilings. These stains can start small and grow if the leak isn't discovered and addressed quickly. If your walls or ceilings are white, you may notice a beige or brown spot, which is a clear indicator of water damage.

Why is water damage not covered by insurance?

Water damage is sometimes covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy, but not always. It depends on what the cause is: sudden internal water damage is covered, while damage due to lack of maintenance or neglect, as well as flood-related damage, are not.

What should I do immediately after water damage?

How much water is needed to cause water damage?

Just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to your home. As floodwaters rise, so do the costs of repairing your home and replacing the things inside of it.

What is considered sudden water damage?

What is sudden and accidental water damage? Sudden and accidental water damage covers discharge or overflow of water or steam from within a plumbing, heating, or air conditioning system, or household appliance.

Is water damage a big deal?

Leaving water damage untreated can cause serious structural problems to your home and create harmful health risks for you and your family. If your home has sustained any type of water damage, you should contact a professional right away.

How long does it take to dry out walls from water damage?

It takes about 72 hours for any affected areas to completely dry-up; this only applies to a room to room basis. Larger areas affected by water damage need longer drying times. Regardless of how large an area was affected, you need to follow specific protocols to restore your home's interior quality completely.

Does water damage get worse over time?

If left unattended, water damage can get worse over time; how quickly that happens varies, depending on how much water is present, in what areas, and the age of the home or business.

How much does water damage repair cost?

Damage from clean water occurs most often as a result of a leaky faucet, toilet tank or water heater, and the water damage repair costs for clean water damage is typically around $3 to $4 per square foot.

How likely is mold after water damage?

Even small amounts of condensation can lead to mold growth, so if your home has recently suffered from significant water damage, the chances of developing a mold problem are relatively high. It's important to address any water damage or excess humidity in your home as quickly as possible after you discover it.

Does water damage show immediately?

As discussed previously, some forms of water damage can show almost instantly. Within just a single hour, drywall can bulge and break. Furthermore, metal surfaces may begin to tarnish, and your furniture may swell and crack after one day of water exposure. By the end of the first week, the damage compounds.

What does long term water damage look like?

Look for: Permanent water stains and unsightly mold water damage markings on ceilings, walls and floors. Erosion of drywall, often causing it to be warped or changed in texture (TIP: newer water spots will feel firm to the touch, while older water damage will create a spongy, mushy feeling) Bubbled paint.

Is it worth buying a house with water damage?

You can present these estimates to the homeowner, and they can opt to pay for the repairs, or you may be able to use the estimates in your negotiations to try and get a lower price. Either way, you should never purchase a home that has not been repaired if there's still water damage present.

Can a house collapse from water damage?

Water damage to the foundation can erode the stability of your house. It can result in cracks, bent walls, and in some severe instances, the collapse of the home itself.

How much water damage is too much?

More than three feet of flooding can cause severe damage to a home's infrastructure, including its foundation and framework. This level of flooding can cause damage too severe to repair. Outside, water can cause lasting damage to water wells as well as sewage and plumbing systems.

Who pays for water leaks on my property?

If you own your home, you're responsible for the water pipe that runs from the boundary of your property into your home, and the internal pipes and fittings. If you're a tenant, this is your landlord's responsibility to fix and maintain. It's important to get any leaks fixed as soon as you can.