Homeowners’ insurance generally covers plumbing damage from incidents like a burst pipe. But there are some exceptions. Big leaks usually start as little ones, so watch for increased water bills, banging pipes, or other warning signs of trouble. It’s also smart to regularly inspect hoses and other water seals.
Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes can do a lot of damage and are one of the most common causes of plumbing problems. Even a small leak can cause serious problems over time, and fixing them as soon as you notice them is important. Otherwise, the water may seep into carpet, wood flooring, and ceiling tiles, causing irreversible damage that your home or business insurance might not cover. Call Plumbers Aurora CO to help you with professional solutions.
If a pipe leaks for weeks or months, it will create conditions for mold, mildew, and fungus to grow in places you can’t easily see. These toxins can then deteriorate floor material and even cause structural damage to walls and ceilings. The resulting damage is expensive and often requires major repairs, but if it’s caught quickly enough, your home or business can be repaired before the situation gets out of hand.
Most commonly, leaky pipes are caused by a faulty valve or a hairline crack in a pipe’s surface. These problems can be caused by age, corrosion, or temperature changes. In addition, a moving foundation can strain or push pipes and cause them to break.
When a pipe leaks, the first thing you might notice is a wet spot on the floor or wall. It’s also important to look for signs that the spot is reoccurring, as this indicates that the area has been wet for quite some time and may be more likely to develop staining and other issues.
Another way to tell if you have a leaky pipe is to check your water meter. If you notice that your water meter is going up more rapidly than usual, this is a sign of a leaky pipe. A BEST Plumbing licensed plumber can perform a professional inspection of your pipes and identify the source of the problem before it worsens.
Larger leaks can be hard to detect, but you can try to spot the source of the escaping water by using tissue paper to blot the area where you think the moisture is coming from. If you can’t find the source of the water, it’s a good idea to shut off the main water supply to your building, and then contact your plumber for further help.
Sewage Backups
Sewage backups can be just as unpleasant as they sound, and they can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. They’re also one of the most common causes of water and sewer damage claims, so it’s important to be aware of the signs that you may have a problem.
If you notice that multiple drains are slow to empty, or that gurgling noises are coming from your toilet, this could be an indication of a sewer backup. You should shut off your water supply immediately and call a plumber right away to avoid further issues.
A clogged toilet is usually pretty easy to diagnose and fix, but if you have several drains backing up or seeing water in your basement floor, it’s likely that there’s a problem with the entire sewer system. Blocked or broken pipes, heavy rain, or even tree roots can cause wastewater to back up into homes.
Most homeowners are responsible for their own sewer line, which runs from the city sanitary sewer main to their house. This line can be impacted by heavy rain, tree roots, or even just age. If the line becomes backed up, it can lead to sewage seepage through your floor drains.
Sewage damage is expensive to clean up and poses a health risk, so it’s important to be prepared. If you’re concerned about this issue, consider purchasing a sewer backup insurance policy. This coverage can pay for the cost of a cleanup crew and any items that are ruined by the sewage.
The best way to avoid a sewer backup is to hire a plumbing company to inspect your lines at least once a year. This will allow them to catch and fix small problems before they become major ones, like blockages or cracks. In addition, you can prevent sewer backups by being mindful of what goes down your drains. You should never put hair, grease, or foreign objects down your drains, and you should only use a professional to dispose of any hazardous materials. You should also keep an eye on your water meter and watch for any sudden spikes in usage.
Water Heater Issues
When it comes to water damage, one of the most dangerous problems that can happen inside your home is a plumbing leak. These issues can occur in a variety of ways, from small slow leaks under sinks to sudden and catastrophic pipe bursts that flood rooms and destroy valuables. Thankfully, these problems aren’t impossible to spot or fix.
The most common causes of these problems include faulty appliances, corroded pipes and old worn out pipes. Over time, the joints that connect pipes deteriorate and can cause leaks, especially if the pipes are made of copper. To prevent this, have a plumber examine your pipes regularly and replace any that are showing signs of rusting or warping.
Another common problem is leaking water heaters. These can also be due to the aforementioned corroded pipes, but they can also be caused by things like an improperly sized tank or sediment build-up on the heating element. If you’re having problems with your water heater, there are a few things that you can check to see if you can fix the issue on your own:
First of all, check that the thermostat isn’t set too high. This is a very common problem that can be easily fixed by simply turning down the temperature setting. If this doesn’t work, you may have a blown fuse or circuit breaker that needs to be replaced. You may also have a defective temperature pressure valve, which is extremely dangerous and should be replaced immediately.
Water Damage Prevention
Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems homeowners face. It can result in costly repairs, replacements, mold remediation, odor elimination, and increased insurance premiums. However, many home owners can avoid this problem with some simple preventive measures and regular maintenance.
Each American uses an average of 80-100 gallons of water per day, much of which comes from inside the home. Homeowners are often unaware that their water bills may be rising if their plumbing is leaking or damaged.
Unlike a heavy rainstorm or flood, which can be easily identified and prevented, slow leaks and hidden water damage may go unnoticed. Most of these problems start small, but if left unattended they can lead to severe water damage and expensive repair costs.
The best way to prevent these types of problems is to perform a comprehensive plumbing inspection each year and have any issues repaired immediately. These inspections should include checking the supply pipes, drain pipes, showers, tubs, toilets, sinks and basins, hoses, water heaters, washing machines and refrigerators. Additionally, checking caulking and insulation around these items is a great way to prevent water damage.
Another important aspect of prevention is ensuring that gutters and downspouts are properly functioning. Keeping leaves and debris from blocking gutters and downspouts will allow water to drain freely. This will also help prevent structural damage and foundation issues.
It is also important to keep in mind that water damage resulting from lack of maintenance is usually not covered by homeowner’s insurance. This type of damage can be expensive to repair, and many times it is difficult to identify the source of the problem.
By following some simple preventive steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of serious water damage. Although it will require some additional home maintenance, the peace of mind you gain from these efforts is worth it. Contact Blackmon Mooring & BMS CAT today to find out more about how we can help you prevent plumbing damage. We look forward to hearing from you!
