Sudden Water Damage in My Home or Business: What Caused It?
websitebuilder • May 15, 2024
Walking into your home or business and discovering unexpected water damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. The sight of puddles, warped floors (a.k.a. “cupping”*), or water stains can trigger a wave of questions, with "What caused this?" being at the forefront of your mind.
PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala and The Villages dives into the potential culprits behind sudden water damage in your home, helping you identify the source and take the necessary steps towards remediation and repair.
Common Causes of Sudden Water Damage
While the specific cause can vary depending on your unique situation, here are some of the most frequent sources of sudden water damage in homes (this list is not exhaustive):
● Plumbing Problems:
- Burst Pipes: Sudden changes in temperature, aging pipes, or high-water pressure can cause pipes to burst, leading to a significant and rapid release of water. Frozen pipes are a particular concern during winter months when water expands as it freezes, potentially causing pipes to burst.
- Leaking Pipes: Worn-out pipe connections, loose fittings, or corrosion can lead to leaks that may go unnoticed for some time until significant water damage occurs.
- Faulty Appliance Connections: Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators all rely on water supply lines that can become loose, cracked, or disconnected, causing leaks within the cabinets or behind appliances.
● Appliance Malfunctions:
- Washing Machine Failures: Malfunctioning hoses, loose connections, or a faulty pump in your washing machine can lead to overflows or leaks, causing water damage in the laundry area or surrounding rooms.
- Dishwasher Mishaps: Similar to washing machines, dishwashers can develop leaks from faulty hoses, a clogged drain, or a malfunctioning door seal, leading to water damage under the sink or nearby cabinets.
- Water Heater Issues: A failing water heater can leak from the tank itself, pressure relief valve, or supply lines, causing water damage in the basement, utility closet, or wherever the water heater is located.
● Roof Leaks:
- Heavy Rain or Storms: Heavy rain or severe storms can overwhelm gutters and drainage systems, causing water to back up and seep under the roof, leading to leaks in the ceiling or upper floors.
- Damaged Roof Shingles: Cracked, missing, or curled shingles can create entry points for rainwater, allowing it to seep into the attic and eventually leak into your living space.
- Clogged Gutters: Gutters clogged with leaves, debris, or ice can prevent rainwater from properly draining, causing it to overflow and potentially seep under the roof or fascia boards.
● Other Potential Causes:
- Broken Windows or Doors: Cracked windows or faulty seals around doors can allow rainwater to seep into your home, causing water damage near windows and doors on exposed walls.
- Sewage Backup: A blockage or malfunction in the sewer line can cause sewage to back up into your drains, leading to a hazardous and unsanitary situation requiring immediate professional intervention.
- HVAC System Issues: While less common, a condensate drain clog in your air conditioning system can lead to water overflowing from the drain pan and causing water damage to ceilings or nearby walls.
Identifying the Source of the Water Damage
Once you've discovered water damage, it's crucial to identify the source as quickly as possible to minimize further damage and facilitate effective repairs. Here are some initial steps to take:
- Turn Off the Water Supply: If the source of the leak appears to be plumbing-related, locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it off to prevent further water flow.
- Assess the Situation: Look for visible signs of the leak, such as wet spots, cracks in pipes, or overflowing appliances. The location of the water damage can also offer clues as to the source.
- Follow the Trail: Water damage often spreads, so follow visible water stains or moisture to try and locate the source of the leak. For hidden leaks, listen for dripping sounds or feel for dampness behind walls or under cabinets.
Taking Action to Mitigate Damage
While identifying the source is important, immediate action is crucial to minimize further damage:
- Call PUDDLES asap: Call PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages immediately 24/7/365
- Standing Water: Remove all standing water as reasonably practicable with mops, towels, a wet vacuum, ect. This will help mitigate losses.
- Contain the Leak: Once you've identified the source (or at least stopped the water flow), take steps to contain the leak further. Place buckets or towels under leaky pipes or appliances to catch dripping water.
- Prevent the Spread: Move furniture and belongings away from wet areas to prevent water damage from spreading. Cover furniture with plastic sheeting if necessary.
- Promote Drying: Increase air circulation by opening windows and doors (weather permitting) to promote evaporation and drying of wet areas. You can also use fans to improve air circulation.
Seeking Professional Help
While some minor leaks might be manageable as a DIY project, extensive water damage or situations involving hidden leaks, sewage backups, or electrical hazards often require professional help (e.g. PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala and The Villages). Here's when to call in the experts:
- Extensive Damage: If the water damage is widespread or affects structural elements like walls, ceilings, or flooring, it's best to call a water damagerestoration company. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle large-scale water damage remediation.
- Hidden Leaks: If you suspect a hidden leak behind walls, under floors, or in crawlspaces, locating the source can be challenging. Water damage restoration companies have specialized equipment to identify hidden leaks and assess the extent of the damage.
- Sewage Backup: Sewage backups are a serious health hazard and require immediate professional attention. Do not attempt to handle a sewage backup yourself!
- Electrical Hazards: Water damage can expose electrical wiring, creating a potential fire hazard. If you suspect water damage has affected electrical wiring, call a qualified electrician to assess the situation and ensure safety.
What to Expect from a Water Damage Restoration Company
When you contact a reputable water damage restoration company such as PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages, they will typically follow a structured process:
- Emergency Response: They will respond promptly to assess the situation, identify the source of the leak (if not already identified), and take immediate steps to stop the water flow and prevent further damage.
- Water Removal and Drying: They will use specialized equipment to extract standing water and promote drying of affected areas using dehumidifiers and air movers. This helps prevent mold growth and structural damage.
- Cleaning and Sanitation: After drying is complete, the affected areas will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to remove any remaining contaminants, including mold spores or bacteria.
- Deodorization: Water damage can leave behind unpleasant odors. Restoration companies can use deodorization techniques to eliminate lingering smells.
- Repair and Restoration: Once the drying and cleaning are complete, the company may handle repairs of damaged walls, floors, or ceilings, restoring your home to its pre-damage condition.
Choosing a Reputable Water Damage Restoration Company
In the aftermath of water damage, quick action and choosing a reliable restoration company are crucial. Here are some factors to consider:
- Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the company is licensed and insured to operate in your area.
- Experience and Qualifications: Look for a company with experience handling water damage situations similar to yours. Ask about their certifications and training of their technicians.
- 24/7 Emergency Service: Water damage emergencies can happen anytime. Choose a company offering 24/7 emergency response services.
- Communication: Choose a company with clear communication practices to keep you informed throughout the process.
Preventing Future Water Damage
Following these preventive measures can minimize the risk of future water damage:
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular inspections of your plumbing system, roof, and gutters to identify and address potential problems early on.
- Winterize Your Home: If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, properly winterize your home by draining and insulating exposed pipes to prevent freezing and potential bursts.
- Maintain Appliances: Have your appliances serviced regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly and free of leaks. Replace worn hoses and check connections periodically.
- Clean Gutters: Regularly clean your gutters to ensure proper drainage of rainwater and prevent backups.
- Invest in Leak Detection Systems: Consider installing a leak detection system that can alert you to potential leaks before they cause significant damage.
Conclusion
Sudden water damage can be a disruptive and stressful experience. However, by understanding the potential causes, taking immediate action to stop the water flow and mitigate damage, and seeking professional help (e.g. PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages), you can effectively address the situation and restore your home. By implementing preventative measures like regular maintenance and inspections, you can minimize the risk of future water damage incidents and ensure the peace of mind of a safe and dry home environment.
Additional Resources
● Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): https://agents.floodsmart.gov/how-start-flood-insurance-claim
● The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC): https://iicrc.org/
● National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): https://www.nahb.org/
Remember, quick action and professional guidance are key to effectively addressing water damage and minimizing the impact on your home.
*Cupping: When the wood flooring absorbs more moisture on the underside of the board, causing the boards to swell from the outside in, giving the appearance of a raised look at the edges while the center remains flat.
Do you have water damage and need the help of a professional?
Call PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages ASAP! 352-722-3790
What Happened A contractor in Williston, Florida stopped his team from “removing” the “mold problem” by, as they suggested, "spraying it with bleach." The contractor insisted that the mold remediation be done correctly and called PUDDLES . Upon completion of the work, PUDDLES insisted that the client retain an independent company to conduct a post remediation verification test to confirm that the mold remediation was done correctly. We were "lucky" to pass a PRV with a gaping hole in the floor.
What Happened The gaps between the ceiling drywall and the light fixtures allowed dirty air from the attic to mix with the air conditioner air, resulting in mold growth in the ceiling. CAN’T YOU JUST WIPE IT [MOLD] OFF! PUDDLES: No We get that a lot for mold removal, except it is usually said as a statement rather than a question. CALLER: Why not? PUDDLES: For many reasons: (1) the lab results confirmed it is mold, (2) it is on drywall, (3) the affected material is a popcorn ceiling, (3) …, (4) …, but more importantly, we don’t do that -- “wipe off drywall.” CALLER: But I was told you can. PUDDLES: You can, but we don’t; and we understand if you wish to call another company who would do that. No hard feelings. CALLER: Two days later: Caller agrees to us removing the affected material starting at 6:30 AM the next business day. Typically, the mold you cannot see is worse than the mold you can see. The same thing applied here.
Not calling PUDDLES will cost you more $$$$. Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. In this case, both the homeowner and their public adjuster chose a different (cheaper) company. That company never showed, never called, never emailed, never text; they did nothing. What Happened Hurricane Helene happened in Belleview, FL.
Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages, which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. What Happened Severe winds in Ocala, FL bent numerous shingles allowing water penetration when it rains.
What Happened Ocala, Fl: An elderly mother’s cat repeatedly urinated throughout the house, including on the carpet. When the mother passed away, the daughter inherited the house. Unfortunately, the daughter was unable to sell the house because prospective buyers complained about the odor . Given Florida’s temperature and humidity levels, it was not surprising that the odor remained in Ocala, FL. PUDDLES is often asked if we use an ozone machine to remove odors. According to the EPA, “When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation.” See https://www.epa.gov/.../ozone-generators-are-sold-air... “Manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices often use misleading terms to describe ozone. Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen.” Id. “There is a large body of written material on ozone and the use of ozone indoors. However, much of this material makes claims or draws conclusions without substantiation and sound science. … Often the vendors of ozone generators make statements and distribute material that lead the public to believe that these devices are always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. For almost a century, health professionals have refuted these claims … Some vendors suggest that these devices have been approved by the federal government for use in occupied spaces. To the contrary, NO agency of the federal government has approved these devices for use in occupied spaces.” Id. Because ozone can kill living things, such as plants, pets, and YOU; we do not use ozone machines. What We Did Removed the glued down carpet Utilize chlorine dioxide Implemented a Hydroxyl Machine Added a HEPA Air Scrubber with a charcoal filter Sprayed the entire house (walls and floors) with an EPA-approved plant-based anti-microbial Fogged the entire house with an EPA-approved plant-based anti-microbial approved for fogging Even if you do not plan to be in the property while the ozone machine is operational, ozone also breaks down organic substance, and rubber, plastics, fabrics, paint, and metals. That Gucci or Louis V handbag you love can deteriorate.
What Happened After removing the old flooring from a home in Belleview, Florida , the flooring company uncovered water on the slab that was trapped under the underlayment. Unbeknownst to the homeowner, water was slowly penetrating the vertical exterior walls via hairline fractures. Both the cracks in the stucco and in the concrete slab itself were resolved, but the flooring company wanted the concrete slab moisture levels below a specific percentage. What We Did Florida tends to have elevated levels of humidity, including Belleview, Florida. To increase the drying efficiency, we sealed all the windows throughout the house with 4 mil plastic to prevent any moisture penetration. We placed a Phoenix DryMax XL Pro dehumidifier and a Dri-Eaz Stealth AV3000 axial air mover in each room. We also implemented the use of a heater to increase the internal temperature slowly to draw the moisture out of the concrete.
Homeowners in Crystal River and West Central Florida dealing with insurance claims related to water damage and mold can trust PUDDLES Restoration for assistance. Learn about the complexities of the process and how we can help in this blog article.
WE REMOVED AND DISCARDED THE AFFECTED MATERIALS, CLEANED THE SUBSTRATE, THEN ENCAPSULATED RESULTING IN A CLEAN PRV.
The Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) certification covers scoping, mitigation, cleaning, deodorization, subrogation, spoliation, documentation of residential and commercial fire and smoke damaged structures and contents. Upon completing this certification, you demonstrate that you are prepared to perform and document cleaning and deodorization of typical residential or commercial fire and smoke damage projects. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@ PUDDLES restoration.com Website: www. PUDDLES restoration.com
The Health and Safety Technician (HST) certification covers occupational health and safety. This certification demonstrates competency in cleaning, maintenance, and restoration industries concerning the Global Harmonized System (GHS) and health and safety principles. The certification covers engineering and administrative controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment used in each specific industry or trade. The certification promotes the importance of hazard and risk assessments and implementing controls on the identified hazards. The hierarchy of hazard controls is emphasized so that eliminating, reducing, and controlling hazards will become the focus of health and safety instead of just regulatory compliance. Upon achieving the certification, the technician demonstrates the skills, knowledge, and awareness needed to save lives and prevent work-related injuries and illnesses and recognize and appreciate the value of health and safety on the job. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@ PUDDLES restoration.com Website: www. PUDDLES restoration.com
