How Common is Water Damage in a Home?

Water damage is a widespread issue, with it being the second most common home insurance claim after wind and hail damage.

Water damage

affects around 14,000 people in the U. S. each year, with 1 in 60 insured households filing a claim for water or freezing damage annually.

It's easy to see why water damage is so common, as plumbing problems can often be out of sight and out of mind. It's important to inspect your home's plumbing systems at least once a year to make sure there aren't any issues with the hoses or pipe joints. The average lifespan of pipes varies depending on the material they are made from; brass pipes can last up to 70 years, copper pipes can last more than 50 years, galvanized steel pipes usually range from 20 to 50 years, and drain pipes are usually made of cast iron (which can last up to 100 years) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC pipes can last indefinitely if properly maintained.

Additionally, installing a water leak sensor under the kitchen sink, refrigerator, or dishwasher can help you avoid potential leaks and costly water damage. If you don't address water damage right away, it can lead to mold growth and other problems in your home. If left for more than a week, the time frames, costs and effort involved in any restoration work will increase significantly. It's important to contact a water damage restoration professional within 24 to 48 hours if you experience any water damage in your home.

If the leak is on the roof, water could pass through the roofs and damage the insulation and wooden beams; if it's more than 1 inch of water, stay safe and let technicians who specialize in water damage do the work. If the water comes from a clogged sewer network, or if the water is gray or black, wait for a professional to touch or touch the water in any way, as it poses a serious biological hazard. An obvious benefit of waterproofing areas such as basements and roofs is that it will protect them from water damage in the event of a flood or pipe rupture and will reduce the chances of foundation damage and mold growth. Partnering with a local water damage restoration company that understands the unique problems you might face is also important; businesses should look for one that is certified by the IICRC for repairs and cleaning that will allow doors to be reopened as soon as possible.