Most Common Places You’ll Find Water Damage Outside of the Bathroom and Kitchen

Bathrooms and kitchens are the most obvious places to expect water damage. But leaks in HVAC systems, water heaters, roofs, and pipes are also significant sources of residential flooding and property damage. Aside from the physical damage a water leak (hidden or otherwise) can do to your Central Florida home, the nearly 180 gallons of water a leak releases per week can also result in higher water bills that hurt your wallet.

Whatever the cause behind your home’s water damage, Central Florida Restoration Services provides remediation and restoration services that will get things back to normal as quickly as possible.

Water Leaks in HVAC Systems

Many homeowners are concerned when they see water leaking from their AC units. While all air conditioning systems shed a little condensation, certain conditions cause them to leak more, and that’s when you can end up with water damage.

The most common causes of air conditioning leaks are:

• A dirty air filter that restricts the airflow into the air handler, causing a frozen evaporator coil. As the evaporator coil thaws, it leaks more water than your condensate pan can accommodate.
• An inadequate amount of refrigerant can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze. A sure sign your AC unit is low on refrigerant is ice on indoor equipment and the line connecting the outdoor unit to your home. A licensed HVAC contractor should repair refrigerant leaks.
• A disconnected or clogged condensate drain, which can lead to the drip pan leaking water.
• A broken condensate pump that, just like a clogged PVC pipe, causes the drip pan to overflow.

The water your AC system normally produces isn’t typically enough to cause harm. However, several types of water damage can occur from an HVAC leak caused by one of the above conditions.

1. Mold and mildew – The hot air and moisture around your indoor AC components provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. And depending on the size and location of the leak, you could have a significant mold problem before you realize it, often within 24 to 48 hours of the leak occurring.
2. Sheetrock and insulation damage – Sheetrock’s delicate nature means it doesn’t hold up well when wet. Water from an AC leak can cause significant sheetrock damage in a relatively brief time.
3. Electrical complications – If a leak drips on any of your AC’s electrical components, it could cause a short and damage the entire system. If you suspect this has happened, call in an electrician before attempting air conditioner repairs.

Water Damage From Pipe Leaks

Water damage from a pipe leak can happen from even the smallest leak. Water is a powerful force, so even a minor-looking leak can cause flooding, structural water damage, or both, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs.

Examples of pipe leaks that lead to extensive water damage include:

• A pipe that leaks and bursts in the middle of the night, giving it hours to wreak havoc in your home.
• Wall leaks which, because they’re often hidden, can result in some of the costliest damage. Some wall leaks can last for months before they’re discovered. Over time, the leak can saturate wood and insulation, potentially leading to structural damage.
• Water from piping makes its way into your home’s foundation and around doorways and windows. Landscaping is another concern, with misdirected sprinklers often causing foundation and crawlspace water damage.

Because of the damage pipe leaks can cause, homeowners should be vigilant about checking around the home for signs of water damage. And if you detect a leak, don’t ignore it—it could end up being a very costly mistake!

Has Your Water Heater Flooded Your Home?

Many homeowners aren’t aware that a water heater leak can also cause severe damage. Fortunately, most water heaters work for years without leaking. Unfortunately, they’re also known for springing a leak at the most unexpected times, causing a sizeable flood.

A water heater’s average lifespan is about ten years. You should regularly check it for signs of a leak to avoid costly repairs and water damage. If your water heater springs a leak, you might want to consider replacing it instead of repairing it. The cost of installing a new unit tends to outweigh the expenses you face for repairing and replacing flood-damaged floors, furniture, and drywall.

Plus, the water heater might at first seem to operate just fine. But it will likely deteriorate faster than it would have pre-flood, potentially becoming a serious hazard that could cause a fire or shock. In our experience, because so many things can go wrong with appliances due to floodwater, replacing the affected equipment is typically less expensive and safer.

WARNING: Water and electricity are a dangerous combo. If your home’s water heater is partially submerged in water, or if water is near other electrical appliances or wall sockets, there’s an increased risk of an electrical shock through the charged water. In these cases, it’s best to call in a professional to handle the matter.

The Many Dangers of Roof Leaks

Don’t be fooled, that little roof leak could cause a lot of water damage inside your home, including structural damage and mold infestation.

Untreated wood cannot withstand the constant onslaught of water and, over time, will weaken and deteriorate, causing serious problems to your home’s framing as well as the attic’s floor, rafters, ceiling joists, and other areas. If your attic doesn’t have a floor, the water will drop directly into the insulation and eventually make its way down the walls and into lower-level ceilings, causing dark spots, bowing, and possible collapse. And any water that makes its way down the wall can damage your home’s foundation.

How to Manage Storm Damage Leaks

Florida thunderstorm season usually occurs in late May through June, and hurricane season happens from August through early October. During these times, your home could experience storm-related water damage, including:

• Plumbing problems such as pipes inside and outside your house breaking and leaking, as can irrigation systems.
• Sewage backup could indicate a clogged or broken main sewer line.
• Roofs can lose shingles and be damaged by falling trees or limbs.
• Electrical appliances can be exposed to water damage.
• Flooding can occur in any room, the garage, and the crawlspace.

Your best course of action for flooding problems is to call a professional water damage restoration company, as they have the necessary tools and knowledgeable, qualified technicians to deal with the issue.

Central Florida’s Most Trusted Water Damage Repair Company

Regardless of the circumstances behind your home’s water damage, CFRS has the equipment and expertise to respond to flooding situations. We quickly and safely remove the water, dry and dehumidify the area to prevent mold and mildew growth, and restore the structural integrity of floors and walls.

Our restoration professionals are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide water damage services that return your home to its pre-loss condition. For more than 20 years, we’ve helped Central Florida homeowners remove any sign of water damage, no matter where it’s hiding. We also offer mold damage, fire damage, and smoke damage solutions you can rely on.

Contact us today for the water damage remediation and restoration services you need to keep your home and family safe.