Has your home or business office ever been flooded? Any building can become subject to water issues for a number of reasons. Don’t underestimate simple cases like pipe leaks and be overwhelmed with complicated cases like heavy floods.
Control the causes of water damage to stop and lessen the problems. ServiceMaster by LoveJoy has some preventive tips.
Common Causes of Water Damage
Broken or leaking pipes
- Serious water damage can occur if a pipe ruptures. Even a small leak can lead to substantial water damage over time.
- However, not all water damage is visible. Plumbing or drain damage is often hidden and can go unnoticed within the walls of your home or in areas that are not highly trafficked.
Water overflow
- Water overflow caused by sinks or toilets can wreck flooring and carpeting, and even break through a downstairs ceiling if ignored long enough.
- If not completely cleaned up and restored right away, you may also experience permanently damaged wood and mold growth.
Faulty household appliances
- If your dishwasher or any other appliance has a leak, clean up the leakage as quickly as possible and have your appliance repaired or replaced.
- If the leakage is extensive, you’ll need to call emergency mitigation services to ensure that the water flow is stopped and the damage is contained and restored.
Clogged gutters
- A clogged gutter can cause water to overflow and slowly seep into your property through roof leaks, damaged siding, or a damaged foundation.
- Twice a year, take the time to remove any leaves, twigs, seedpods, and other blockages from your gutters.
Sewage backups
- Sewer backups are either caused by brutal storms or tree roots blocking your home’s pipes. Both of these instances can lead to catastrophic water overflow, especially if you aren’t able to act fast.
- To guard against the risk of tree roots blocking your pipes, have a sewer expert clean out your sewer line every other year.
7 Preventive Measures to Avoid Water Damage
- Inspect your home often for signs of leaking pipes.
- Clean your gutter twice a year.
- Check your sump pump once a year.
- Fix visible water leaks in ceilings and pipes.
- Inspect your roof for possible damaged roof shingles.
- Check and repair any cracked caulking.
- Repair or replace any damaged appliance.
Each situation should be handled with caution to keep the safety of valuables. Here’s what to do when water damage occurs:
- If possible, turn off water source.
- Get rid of the water on the floor by mopping.
- Open the cabinet, drawers, closet and other storage boxes to check if they are affected by water damage and let them dry.
- Move valuables such as appliances, documents, and others into a dry and safe place.
Water damage remediation should be performed by an expert to prevent serious issues later. If you have experienced water damage in your home or business office, don’t wait for another problem to arise. Determine the extent of the water damage emergency; if it can’t be controlled, contact a service provider.
Schedule an Appointment for Water Damage Restoration in Atlanta, Georgia
Damages from natural disasters require professional help. ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us at (678) 293-0297 for customers near Conyers, GA, and (770) 983-6665 for customers near Roswell, GA. You may connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
Check our offices in these areas:
- Conyers, GA: 700 Blacklawn Road Southwest Conyers, GA 30012
- Covington, GA: 4905 Highway 20, Covington, GA 30016
