Idaho Falls homeowners face somewhat unique circumstances leading to water damage, as many of them are subjected to freezing winters, seasonal weather events, and aging infrastructure that creates risks of water damage.
Learning what can cause water damage is critical for homeowners so they can recognize the risks and take early action to avoid more costly repairs while keeping their homes and families safe.
This blog will discuss the most common causes of water damage, the potentially severe impact of damage, as well as some practical steps homeowners can take to reduce their risk of suffering water damage. Finally, we will explain why, in many cases, it is appropriate to call a professional water damage restoration company in Idaho Falls to assist with restoring and protecting your home.
Common Causes of Water Damage in Homes
1. Burst and leaking pipes
Plumbing issues cause some of the most serious water damage, and when homeowners want to report water damage, they usually mean plumbing-related issues. Pipes may burst (in freezing temps) or wear from age. Even the most minor leak will often lead to gallons of water released over time and can also ruin walls, ceilings, and floors.
Tip to prevent: Protect your plumbing; consider insulating exposed pipes during winter and regularly schedule annual plumbing inspections.
2. Appliance Failures
Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters often perform the same function (without the pressure) as plumbing. Hose connections loosen over time, or hoses will break down, meaning leaks that are often undetected can spread quickly behind your appliances.
Prevention Tip: Replace old hoses with stainless steel braided hoses and inspect your appliances periodically for signs of wear or leaks.
3. Roof Leaks
Roofs see a lot of abuse from snow, ice, and storms. Depending on the condition of the shingles or clogged gutters, water can seep into your home and create significant structural damage before you discover the stains on your ceilings or walls.
Prevention Tip: Clean your gutters at least twice a year, and have your roof inspected once a year; consider having inspections after the harshest storms.
4. Flooding Basements
Idaho Falls homeowners are accustomed to managing flooding in their basements with heavy rains, poor drainage, or failed sump pumps. Basements are most vulnerable because they are below ground, meaning they will also likely get runoff seepage.
Prevention Tip: Sump pumps need to be installed and maintained, make sure the foundation is graded properly, and seal the basement walls to keep moisture out.
5. Weather-Related Flooding
With yearly weather patterns (seasonal storms and snowmelt), local drainage systems will be overwhelmed with rain and snowmelt, causing water to come into homes as flooding. Flooding homes not only brings water inside the home, but it also brings contaminants, creating a serious health risk.
Prevention Tip: Purchase flood barriers and backflow valves, and make sure the homeowner has flood insurance when living in a flood-prone neighborhood.
6. Clogged Drains
Bathroom sinks, showers, and toilets can back up from clogged drains, causing flooding in and around the bathroom. Clogged drains can be a messy situation and can create extensive damage if not addressed quickly.
Prevention Tip: Do not flush non-degradable items, and guard drains from hair and debris build-up.
7. Cracks in the Foundation
Over time, soil movement, freeze-thaw cycles, and water pressure contribute to foundation cracks, which can compromise the structural integrity of your home and allow for water intrusion.
Prevention Tip: Seal foundation cracks as they happen and control water runoff and drainage.
The Hidden Hazards of Water Damage
As if visible water damage wasn't enough to deal with, the presence of hidden moisture in your home can be far worse.
- Mold Growth: Mold can grow in 24–48 hours. It can pose serious health risks and adversely affect your health.
- Structural Damage: Wood and drywall begin to saturate. Portions of wood and drywall deteriorate; hence, in the future, repairs could be exponential.
- Electrical Hazard: Water-damaged electrical wires and outlets will cause a risk of shock and fire.
All of the aforementioned are reasons homeowners will look for water remediation services near me to eliminate any hidden water damage concerns.
Why Idaho Falls Homes Are at Risk
Idaho Falls' climate and geography increase a home's vulnerability to water damage:
- Cold Winters: Freezing and thawing of soils can increase the breakage dangers of pipes or foundation cracks.
- Snowmelt: Every spring, snowfall can, and often does, overwhelm basements or crawlspaces.
- Storm Events: Sudden storm events can cause an influx of heavy liquid rain to create flash flooding, or even roof or siding leaks to ingress into a home.
Given these situations, homeowners will most likely not forget that staying vigilant and aware of the environment they live in is essential to the prevention and mitigation of water damage.
How to Prevent Water Damage
1.Routine Maintenance
Perform seasonal walkthroughs at a minimum of your plumbing, appliances, roof, and foundations, specifically looking for signs suggesting something is not functioning as designed. Take action to rectify or resolve small problems when they begin before they turn into major ones..
2.Improve Drainage
Gutters and downspouts should carry the water away from your foundation. Landscaping should slope away to help mitigate pooling.
3.React Quickly
When you see the first signs of water damage, react right away. Calling a water damage restoration company in Idaho Falls will have someone take care of the issue and hopefully prevent it from getting worse.
Case Study: Preventing Major Loss in Idaho Falls
One homeowner in Idaho Falls noticed a small leak in their basement wall after a storm. However, they thought nothing of it and passed on taking any action. A few months down the road, while they were dealing with heavy melting snow, they experienced severe flooding. This flooding caused damage to their flooring and furniture. In this situation, the repairs were extensive and very costly.
On the other hand, another homeowner observed a small leak in their basement wall after a storm and did the right thing by immediately calling a water damage restoration company in Idaho Falls to seal the leak. The restoration company also installed a sump pump to help with the excess water and dried the area thoroughly.
This homeowner was able to avoid lost wages from having to quickly deal with the heavy melted snow in the spring by acting quickly, avoiding going into hundreds or thousands in damage at home and to business.
Why Professional Help Matters
While some water damage situations can be handled by a talented DIY'er, many cannot. Professional water damage restoration services in Idaho Falls provide:
- Industrial-Grade Equipment: High-powered pumps, air movers, and dehumidifiers.
- Expertise in Detecting Hidden Water: Water can be located behind walls and under floors where it cannot be seen.
- Methods for Mold Prevention: A proven process that sanitizes and prevents future mold growth.
- Assistance with Insurance Claims: Documentation and support to ensure an insurance claim is as efficient as possible.
Water damage restoration will save you money and restore your home, but it will also ensure that your home is dry. The ultimate goal is to make sure that your home is not only dry but also safe and structurally sound.
Avoid Potential Damages
- Prevention Costs Less: When a few wise preventive measures are taken, any homeowner can save thousands of dollars in potential damages from various water claims.
- Healthier Living Space: Limiting the growth of potentially fatal mold and bacteria keeps your family safe.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is prepared for weather changes.
Conclusion
Water damage is one of the most common issues homeowners face, and likely one of the most expensive. Homeowners face frequent risks from burst pipes, leaking roofs, and, especially in Idaho Falls, seasonal flooding, which could cause significant damage easily. Prevention, along with understanding the potential causes of water damage and reacting quickly, will protect your home.
If disaster happens, don't wait; partnering with professionals in water damage restoration in Idaho Falls ensures that your home damage will be reduced and your home will be returned to a sound and livable condition. Prevention and professional assistance are ultimately the best defense against excessively costly and disruptive water damage.
About Rainbow Restoration of Idaho Falls
Rainbow Restoration of Idaho Falls is the region's leading expert in water and property restoration. As a premier water damage restoration services Idaho Falls company, our team is on standby 24/7 for emergency response, providing advanced water extraction and drying, mold remediation, and complete property restoration.
With certified technicians and years of experience, we are there for families in Idaho Falls to make sure that their homes are restored but also protected in the future. Whether you are dealing with a minor leak or a potentially catastrophic flood, contact us to provide you with the services you need.
