Water damage can lead to all sorts of losses, and can even damage the foundation of your home, if not addressed quickly. Understanding what is the cause of your water damage is important, as it will help you determine the best way to address it. Here are the top five most common types of water damage:

#1: Damaged Pipes

One common culprit for water damage is a burst or leaking pipe. When a drain gets backed up or blocked, it builds up pressure and causes the pipe to burst or start to leak. If you find a leak, it could be a sign that there is damage in some other area as well. Not all damaged pipes are going to be visible, and you’re not always going to easily find the source of water damage. One sign that you could have a leak is that your water bill has spiked. To prevent your pipes from getting damaged, it’s generally a good idea to get them checked and properly insulated before the winter, as without proper care they could freeze and rupture, leading to your whole house getting soaked. Unregulated water pressure, temperature changes, and the deterioration of old pipes are all common causes of damaged pipes.

#2: Appliances

When your appliances get old and start to wear out, they can lead to water damage in your home. The two most common appliances that can do this are your hot water tank and your washing machine. However, dishwashers, refrigerators, and other appliances are also potential culprits.

When the pipes on these appliances get rusty, they could leave puddles on your floor, or worse, cause water damage to your paint or electrical wiring. You can prevent this from happening with a few different techniques:

• Dishwasher — Prevent build-up in your washing machine by adding vinegar to the wash once a month, and scraping and rinsing any build-up off before you add your next load of dishes.

• Refrigerator — A refrigerator can produce a lot of excess water, which can pool up underneath it causing damage to your tiles, board, and more. To prevent flooding, make sure that it is well insulated and that everything is properly attached, especially after you move it.

• Washing Machine — The most common cause of flooding from a washing machine is a leaky hose. Having a washing machine valve shutoff kit will be valuable, as it can prevent 5 gallons of water a minute from pouring out into your home.

#3: HVAC Units

Another common cause of leaks and flooding is your air conditioner. Your air conditioner can accumulate a lot of moisture, which can potentially cause a leak. What is more, the build-up of moisture can cause mold to build up on your unit, spreading spores throughout your home. Regular servicing of your HVAC system is important, if you want to prevent leaks caused by your air conditioner, along with the potential development of mold and mildew.

#4: Clogged Drain

Your bathroom sink and drain can become quickly clogged with dirt, hair, grease, and all sorts of other substances. If your drains become clogged and are not cleared, it can lead to both health problems (from bacteria and mold build-up) and flooding. When your drain isn’t functioning properly, the water built up in it can erode or rust the pipes, leading to leaks. You may then be dealing with expensive issues like warped floorboards and wall beams. To prevent your drains from clogging, you can add small screens over them to catch larger particles from going down them. Also, you can clear them by pouring boiling water down them once a month to dissolve any grease, soap scum, or other debris that has built up in your pipes. Lastly, your gutters may also be clogged, which can lead to water dripping down the sides of your home and in through the walls. Cleaning them out regularly is a good preventive measure for this scenario.

#5: Natural Disaster

Lastly, weather-related issues like natural disasters can cause water to build up in your basement or flood your home. Here in Southwest Florida, hurricanes may cause your home to become suddenly flooded, and there’s not always much you can do to prevent this. Make sure you have flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area, and that you have a quality sump pump and lawn designed for draining water away from your house.