News

Most people outside the insurance and restoration industries believe that water damage is caused by severe storms, flash floods or hurricanes. Yet those of us in the industry know that most water damage claims result from other causes and that they are quite frequent. In fact, most of us will experience water damage in our own home at least once during our lifetime.

Common Causes of Water Damage:

• Fire suppression (fire department)
• Accidents and negligence
• Faulty or damaged plumbing
• Faulty or damaged construction
• Defective appliances or fixtures
• Natural causes – floods, hurricanes
• Willful misconduct and vandalism

There are a variety of circumstances that can cause water damage in a home. In a fire loss situation, the fire department may introduce gallons of water to a structure to extinguish a fire causing additional damage. Accidents happen and even otherwise conscientious people sometimes don't realize the potential consequences of carelessness. Would you believe that many hotels have actually begun to post signs on the sprinkler heads in guest rooms that say, "Do not hang clothing here"? Faulty, damaged or poorly maintained plumbing can produce a broken pipe or a toilet that overflows. A construction defect can result in a roof leak or a crack in the foundation that allows moisture to penetrate. Among the most common causes of water damage are broken washing machine hoses and ice maker supply lines. Natural disasters like severe storms, floods and hurricanes are obvious culprits. And in rare cases, an ill-considered prank or vandalism is to blame.

Fighting fires often requires substantial quantities of water, in many cases spreading to parts of the structure not affected directly by the fire. The problem is often compounded when the fire (and water) damaged home is boarded up and left unattended while adjusters and contractors prepare estimates. Any delay in initiating proper drying procedures leads to a substantial increase in the amount of damage. As with all water damage, emergency procedures should be initiated as soon as possible to reduce primary and secondary damage.

Water damage is "any water that causes the usefulness, or future use or value of any property to become impaired by water." For example, if a gallon of water is spilled over a hundred square feet of carpet, it will do little damage. If an aquarium breaks on the same carpet, it will certainly cause damage. If the water is contaminated, the water damage will be even more serious.

Ever since Noah's flood, unwanted water has plagued people. Most early water damage was caused by structural leaks and rising rivers. Buildings resistant to natural elements must have been a high priority in early civilizations. While man has learned to construct more water resistant buildings, interior water damage is more likely than ever. Between plumbing, porous finishing materials and fine furnishings, this combination creates a perfect environment for water and humidity damage.

Water damage occurs more often than most people realize. In fact, average homeowners will have at least one water damage experience during their lifetimes. Natural causes of water damage from hurricanes, rivers and coastal flooding still occur and are the most devastating. Yet the most common causes of water damage include frozen pipes, faulty appliances and fixtures, faulty or damaged plumbing, accidents or negligence, faulty or damaged construction, and willful misconduct or vandalism.