Water might be a necessity in life, but it can also wreak havoc in your home when it’s not properly contained. Water can cause mold, mildew, and major damage to surfaces in your home. It can even compromise the integrity of your home’s structure. And once your home experiences water damage, it can be extremely costly and labor-intensive to rectify.

So, what causes water damage? Here are some of the more common sources of water damage in homes.

1. Leaky Pipes

The most obvious source of water damage in a home stems from leaky plumbing pipes. Whether there’s a slow leak somewhere or a major burst pipe, water that’s able to make its way outside of the pipes that run through your home can cause some major damage. 

A sudden burst pipe might be significant, but it will be easy to spot. Slow leaks, on the other hand, are usually impossible to detect until the damage has already been done. The best way to identify potential leaks is to pay attention to your water bill. If you notice the numbers start creeping up every month, there may be a leak somewhere that needs to be addressed. 

2. Air Conditioner 

If something is malfunctioning with your air conditioner system, this could cause issues. Your air conditioner is tasked with removing moisture from the air, and this moisture can often accumulate in the actual unit and turn into water through condensation. If this water doesn’t drain properly, it could eventually make its way into your home and cause damage. 

To avoid this situation, make sure to have your A/C serviced on a regular basis so you can spot issues early and have them fixed. 

3. Washing Machine

A ton of water is used with every load of laundry you do. But sometimes, washers can leak water and pool underneath, or ill-secured fittings could allow water to seep out. In either case, such leakage from your washing machine can cause mold buildup or water damage to surrounding surfaces. 

4. Clogged Drains

If the drains running underneath your floor get clogged, they’re more susceptible to water backup in the sink, shower stall, or even within the floor itself. If this is allowed to carry on, you could be left having to deal with mold issues or severe water damage.

5. Running Toilets

Sometimes toilets run because of issues with the flapper, which is supposed to be pulled up when you flush so new water can fill the bowl. If there are problems with the flapper, however, this can cause a running toilet, which in turn can cause water leakage and subsequent damage to the floor and wall around the toilet. 

6. Water Seeping Into the Foundation

Water can make its way into your home’s foundation if there are issues with grading or with the soil around the perimeter of your home. And if you experience heavy precipitation, all that water can easily make its way into your home, leaving you with major issues to have to deal with. 

The Bottom Line

Water damage in a home is nothing to sneeze at. It can cause serious issues, both structurally and health-wise. If you notice a hint of water problems, it’s important to have them rectified immediately. And if possible, try to keep a close eye on all aspects and systems of your home and have them serviced regularly so that if there are any issues, they can be nipped in the bud before real problems start.