When you think of water damage the first thing that many people think of is the stereotypical leaky roof. With the small amount of rain that we get here in the Las Vegas valley, that is thankfully not something that we have to think about often. While it is still important to have your roof checked regularly for the occasional rainstorms, a leaky roof is actually one of the less common causes needing water restoration. In this blog we will be going over the top three most common sources for water damage and sharing some tips on how you can stay ahead of any leaks.
The most common source of water damage is usually a surprise to many people. Out of all water restoration jobs we see in Las Vegas, the most common culprit is your water heater. The water damage can vary from a small leak to a burst water heater. The best way to prevent a burst is to know the age of your water heater. Any water heater over 10 years old should be considered for replacement. If you are unfortunate enough to experience a burst water heater, make sure to shut off your water as soon as possible. If safe to do so, try moving the surrounding items away from the water to prevent any collateral damage. While a burst water heater is definitely catastrophic, it is often the leaks that can go unnoticed for long periods of time. We recommend checking the connections and around the water heater base at least once a year to stay on top of any sneaky leaks.
The second most common source of water damage is leaks from home appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines. All appliances have internal pipes and fittings that over time become at risk of a leak. While many newer appliances use rubber or plastic pipes to remove the risk of rusting, these pipes are still vulnerable to wear and tear that will cause small leaks over time. These small leaks can often go unnoticed for several months or even years allowing the leak to slowly grow until the water is noticeable around or from underneath the appliance. Water restoration teams can clean any water damage big or small. If you suspect or know pipes are leaking, do not delay in having them repaired. We have been to many water remediation jobs in Las Vegas that were caused by a “patched” pipe that was not fixed correctly initially. To stay ahead of leaky appliances, we recommend looking underneath and behind appliances for signs of water. If you find a prolonged leak or experience flooding due to a burst pipe, water restoration teams that act fast can resolve the issue with minimal damage.
Lastly, but just as important, clogged drains are a common cause of flooding. Clogged drains are typically the cause of a bathroom flood. Debris clogs a drain either over time or all at once if the debris is large enough and before you know it, a few flushes or few minutes of running water turns into a huge mess. Common causes of shower and sink drain clogs are hair and dirt which can catch other debris making the clog appear quickly. If they do not get cleared, more damage can occur. Pipes in other locations can be affected, it can even go so far as damaging floors or walls. We recommend using drain protectors to prevent as much stuff from going down drains the drains as possible and to call a professional if you suspect a drain is clogged.
We understand that coming home to tons of water on the ground can be extremely stressful. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to call a water restoration team as soon as possible. Preventing the start and growth of mold is very important when it comes to water leaks as well as trying to prevent any other items from being damaged. If you need a fast, reliable, water restoration team in the Las Vegas area give us a call at (702) 313-3300. We are IICRC certified and will be at your house or office anywhere in Las Vegas in less than an hour! Our water restoration team acts fast by clearing debris, removing water, applying disinfectants for mold and/or bacteria, restoring flooring and drying the inside of your walls if needed.
Find out more about our water remediation services on our Water Restoration Page.
