Servicemaster Restore

Here’s a fun fact for you: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “the average household leaks nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year.”

Okay, so perhaps that fact isn’t exactly a fun one, but if nothing else, we’re sure it grabbed your attention. After all, how much money might be going down the drain with all of that leaking water?

So if you’re hoping to mitigate leaks and save your property from impending flooding or water damage, here are the top ten causes of household leaks to remain aware of:

1. Roof Damage

Should your flashing fail or the surface-level shingles and tiles take damage from hail and storms, water will inevitably seep its way in from your roof. Especially if existing damage from last year’s storm season has not yet been addressed, the weakened structure(s) will be prone to admit larger volumes of rain this year.

2. Clogged Gutters

When your gutters go for prolonged periods of time without being cleared, they will not be able to efficiently drain rainwater down and away from your property’s foundations. Such functional failures may also occur if they are sagging or weakened as a result of their age. In any case, when not clear and clean, water will back up onto the roof or seep over and into your home.

3. HVAC Malfunctions

Your property’s central air conditioning unit contains a condensate pan, which collects the droplets of moisture that form within the HVAC and are expelled through the drain line. Thus, should the drone line clog, the pan will begin to overflow and cause a potentially costly HVAC leak.

4. Overflowing Refrigerator

If your refrigerator features an automatic water dispenser or ice maker, any internal malfunctions will inevitably lead to water overflow, thereby leaking out from within the appliance. Additionally, if the connection between the fridge and the supply line becomes tenuous, water may leak out the back.

5. Washing Machines Woes

As with a refrigerator, a household washing machine becomes liable to leakages if the supply hose at the back of the appliance becomes weakened or ruptured. Otherwise, a drain hose that becomes loose or clogged may also push water back up into the machine.

6. Water Heaters Deterioration

Water tanks may leak if the drain valve becomes loose or, conversely, if it is fastened too tight. Otherwise, once the tank itself has reached the end of its life, it will deteriorate and become rusty, causing either a full burst of water or a slow leak outward.

7. Sewer Blockages

Floridians along the First Coast may be especially susceptible to sewer blockages that occur during and after a large storm or hurricane. What’s more, these blockages may also cause sewage reflux, meaning raw sewage and other waterborne contaminants may be deposited directly into your basement or other household areas.

8. Toilet Troubles

There are several ways your home’s or business’s toilet may begin to leak. For example, if the wax ring or seal around the flange of your toilet cracks, crumbles, or otherwise fails, your toilet will expel water through the bottom and onto your floor with every flush. Failing valve seals or water supply lines may also be the culprit of a toilet leak.

9. Failing Faucets

Faucet leaks are some of the most commonly occurring leaks within a property. A faucet may begin to leak if the washers or gaskets within the structure malfunction. However, a faucet may also leak water if it becomes corroded or falls victim to general corrosion.

10. Rusted and Busted Pipes

As pipes deteriorate over time or are otherwise not maintained well, the seams and joints may begin to leak — if not rupture entirely. Additionally, if your water pressure is kept too high, it will stress your plumbing system and potentially push it to its limit.

At the end of the day, there is no shortage of ways your property can be subject to flooding and water damage.

Thankfully, should such a disaster ever strike, you’ll never have to face it alone!

Here at ServiceMaster Restoration of First Coast, we specialize in both water extraction and water damage mitigation, thereby ensuring you don’t have to worry about the misery of moisture longer than necessary. Additionally, we offer mold remediation services in the event that sitting water or moisture intrusion has led to the unfortunate proliferation of mold spores within your property.

Our certified team of technicians is ready to help you overcome the unexpected. To learn more, contact us today by calling (904) 219-0635!