Helpful Articles

Water can be one of nature’s most beautiful elements. It can also be one of the most destructive. Whether it’s rushing, standing, dripping or seeping water has the potential to impact the integrity of your home’s structure and create a breeding ground for mould. Swift action is required at the first sight of water damage and Ontario Restoration Services is standing by 24-7 to help you when an emergency hits.

Because water can cause significant damage, we’re going to share the top risks and how you can guard against them.

#1 Broken or Leaking Pipes

The most common source of water damage in homes is broken or leaky plumbing pipes. Over time the integrity of the pipe can break down leading to a slow drip. Or pipes can burst due to a change in water pressure or freezing temperatures. A minor leak may seem insignificant but over time, it can lead to substantial damage.

Many times these types of leaks are invisible and may not be detected for quite some time. Make it a point to inspect your pipes regularly for signs of leakage. You may consider putting a reminder on your calendar or make it part of a regular maintenance schedule. In this way, you can be proactive in searching for evidence of water. If you spot moisture in areas it shouldn’t be, in all likelihood, there is water damage that you can’t see.

Early detection can prevent major damage. Tune into the sound of dripping water or water stains that develop on walls, ceilings or floors. Being aware of these subtle clues can help prevent headaches down the road.

#2 Overflow (tubs, sinks, toilets)

Overflowing sinks, bathtubs and toilets can not only destroy carpeting, hardwood and walls, the damage can also break through a downstairs ceiling if not detected quickly.

You should always have an eye on taps that are left running. When filling the tub, don’t leave the room. If you get called away, turn the faucet off until you return. It’s far too easy to get distracted and before you know it, the tub is overflowing. You should understand how to turn the water supply off to your toilet to ensure it doesn’t overflow. It might be a good idea to also teach this to your kids so they know what to do if you’re not home.

If you do have an overflow situation, it’s important to clean up the mess as soon as possible. The longer water sits, the more chance there is for permanent structural damage. It also creates the ideal setting for mould growth.

If you’re unsure about the extent of damage or if it went unnoticed for too long, reach out to Ontario Restoration Services. We will assess your situation and advise you how to proceed. A speedy resolution will help you avoid long-term damage to your home.

#3 Household Appliances

Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators make our life more convenient and comfortable but they are, afterall, just machines. These appliances can malfunction, break or clog leaving the possibility of leaking water.

An issue with your dishwasher may cause water damage to your floor, kitchen cabinets and the adjacent wall. This moisture can lead to mould. A clogged pipe in the refrigerator or a leaking defrost pan can leave you with water damage. Washing machines break down over time and HVAC units become worn.

With all of these potential water issues, it’s best to maintain your appliances regularly. This step will help prevent the devastating effects of water leaks.

#4 Gutters

Although we typically think of water leaks inside our home, there is one area outside the home that is of particular concern. Rain gutters.

Clogged gutters cause rain water to overflow and can seep into your home through leaks in the roof, siding or a damaged foundation. Regular cleaning will help keep your gutters clear of debris. Plan a day in the spring and the fall to remove leaves, twigs etc. Or, consider installing a “gutter guard” to keep these items out and your gutters clear.

#5 Sewer Backup

No one ever wants to discover a sewer backup in their home. However, this is a fairly common issue we see for homeowners. These backups are typically caused by excess water during storms or due to tree roots blocking your pipes.

While you can’t do much about mother nature, you can hire someone to professionally clean out your sewer pipes. We recommend every other year to ensure a smooth flow. You may also consider speaking with your insurance agent to determine your coverage for water damage caused by sewer backups.

Be on the lookout for these five common causes for water damage. Take the initiative to prevent them from happening and if you do have a water issue, reach out to Ontario Restoration Services to effectively deal with the problem.