What can cause water damage or a flood?

1) Pipe Leaks:  Failure to fix a simple leaky pipe can cause serious water damage, mold or a flood because your pipe burst.  Look around your house, check you walls ceiling for water damage and look for any persistent mold that is growing on your walls or roof.  

2) Water Heater Leaks or Burst: This is a tricky appliance to inspect, so it is best to keep it outside of your house, in your garage.  There are also shallow water heater pans that the appliance can sit in.  In case of a leak this will help mitigate any water damage in your home.

3) Washing Machine and Dishwasher Leaks:  Check appliance hoses regularly and replace any hose that is old or worn.  Make sure that all the hoses are properly tightened and installed to avoid leaking. 

4) Sprinklers and Flower Beds:  Keep sprinklers away from the house.  NEVER have water hitting directly on your home.  Keep moist dirt, trees, bushes and plants away from your home's outside walls.  Continuous moisture will eventually cause mold and water damage.

5) Leaking Roof:  Slow persistent leaks cause some of the most serious problems.  Inspected your roof each year during the Spring and Fall and especially after a severe storm, such as a hurricane.  Fix all problems quickly to avoid any serious leaks and help with the longevity of you roof. 

Click on this link for more Tips and Things to Know About Your Roof.

6) Over Flowing Sinks and Bathtubs:  Never leave running faucets unattended.  An overflow of water can cause serious damage to flooring and drywall.

7) Over Flowing Toilet, Sewer or Drain Problem:  One of the worst kinds of water damage involves sewage leaks and over flows.  The bacteria and contamination, especially in your home, make this a health emergency.  Professional clean up is necessary. When something like this happens to you, CALL After A Disaster, Inc. anytime at 941.979.7677

This photo shows damage caused by a slab leak.