Most water damage occurs during the rainy season, particularly in spring and in early winter. However, this does not mean that the hot summer months are safe. Actually, the season can also present its own set of problems caused by water damage.
Even when temperatures are high, the weather can be unpredictable. Thus, it’s not uncommon for heavy rains to fall in summer and for this to last for weeks. This puts your water system at risk as it can get overwhelmed by the sudden change in weather and struggle to make the needed adjustments. If left alone, this can lead to house water damage.
Causes of Summer Water Damage
It’s always better to be prepared for possible plumbing problems than just wait for them to happen and make the needed water damage repair from there. The factors listed below often lead to water damage, but becoming aware of them should help you become more prepared to resolve the problems that they can eventually bring.
1. Summer Rainstorms
Some places like Maryland are known for having rainy weather. Even during the summer, rains still fall in these areas and they can be severe. Often, it’s not just rains, but hail storms. These extreme weather conditions could cause serious water damage to your home that will often require professional restoration services.
After a storm, it is important to assess the condition of your property. The roof is the most important part that you need to inspect as this could have leaks that could result in water damage in the house.
2. Flooding
There are many things that water damage can refer to, but its severity could not be questioned. This is especially true in the case of floods, considered as one of the most serious and most expensive forms of water damage.
It may be hard to believe, but major floods occur in various states every year. Given this, it’s best to be prepared by having a list of people you can contact, especially if you require restoration assistance.
3. Burst Pipes and Leaking Faucets
Why do pipes burst in summer? It’s because the home plumbing system is usually subjected to great stress during this time of the year, with water being used frequently and heavily.
In short, a pipe or two suddenly bursting in summer should not come as a surprise. A minor but equally serious problem is a leaking faucet, also a common scenario during the hot months. In both cases, the issue needs to be resolved right away as this could eventually escalate to water damage.
4. Indoor Humidity
High humidity levels can also keep you from preventing water damage. The warm weather of summer retains moisture better than cold air. However, in the evenings when the temperature is lower, air is unable to hold in moisture, and this eventually ends up in your walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Ultimately, these areas of the home become susceptible to water damage.
Refer to professionals if your home is suffering from high levels of humidity. Normally, they will identify where the excess moisture is located and remove it before they proceed to dehumidifying your home.
Common Summer Water Damage Problems
Many water damage problems in summer commonly start from your plumbing system, and account for about 30% of every homeowner’s insurance claims annually. Since it’s mostly plumbing and not necessarily weather-related, water damage can be prevented by anticipating the following problems:
1. Basement Flooding
Flooding is a common problem in the basement, and this is often due to inadequate or poor maintenance. When there’s seepage in the basement after a flood, the most common water damage repair option is to install a sump pump. This will pump water away from your house, keep your basement dry, and protect it from potential water damage in the future.
Routine maintenance of the sump pump is a must to ensure that it will run smoothly. Otherwise, you might have to face a situation in the future where water damage repair has to be considered.
2. Air Conditioner Overflow
Water damage can also result from both the central and the window-type air conditioning units as the two produce excess water as soon as they cool down. With the latter, the drainage pipe is normally designed to be directed outside of the window so condensation will not occur inside the home. Additionally, if the unit isn’t leveled at the window, leaks will develop inside, and this could damage your carpets and the house flooring.
Central air conditioner units, meanwhile, rely more on electric power. However, water can still leak from this home appliance if debris ends up blocking the drain area. This is the common cause of water damage in the house.
3. Roof Leaks
Blocked rain gutters can produce water spots on your roof, leading to leaks. This is why it’s important to spend some time every season cleaning out your roof. Also, check your downspouts to ensure that they are discharging water about 10 feet away from your house. The distance should be enough to prevent home flooding.
4. Mold Growth
Mold is a perennial house water damage consequence and often develops in as fast as 24 hours after water damage. This fungus is known to cause serious health problems apart from lowering the quality of the indoor air. It often takes the expertise of a professional plumber to remove mold from your home.
5. Irrigation Leakages
Lawn care is most important in the summer. If you have sprinklers installed or if you just use a hose to water them, these should not be directed at your home. Additionally, over watering the lawn is bad practice because this can lead to pooling, and consequently a leak in the foundation.
If water damage takes place on the lawn, you should notice certain areas that are strangely greener than the other parts. There may also be unusually “soft spots” in your yard. If one or both of these are present, shut off the water supply right away and call a restoration company.
Deep Water Emergency Service & Restoration Can Work on Your Water Damage Problems
No matter what type of water damage has hit you and your home, you can count on Deep Water Emergency Service & Restoration to provide you with effective and immediate restoration services.
Our team of water damage restoration Dallas experts are always on stand by to rush to your aid when disaster strikes and even advise you on things like preventing water damage. Call us anytime to avail of our top-notch services. Call now!