10 Common Causes Of Water Damage In Summer
Water damage can happen at any time of the month, but some seasons like the summer is considered a big season for water damage. This is because the plumbing witnesses more strain due to more usage, add to it the rains and storms and water damage is, unfortunately, not far away. You can save a lot by being proactive and understanding the common causes of water damage in the summer season. This way, you can carry out water damage fixes and mold remediation quickly, preventing damage on a larger scale. So, here is the list of the common causes.
Summer Water Damage Causes
- Plumbing issues
- Leaky pipes
- Corrosion due to humidity
- Rains & storms
- Leaky or malfunctioning AC units
- Pool problems in summer
- Clogged drains
- Mold
- Vacations
- Appliance malfunction
Plumbing Issues
Believe it or not, plumbing work suddenly surges in the summer, and for a reason. Since it is hot, people are using the showers more often and things can take a turn. There can be lots of plumbing issues in the house, especially during the summer. The faucets might need to be replaced, there might be some hidden cracks that can lead to mold, and so many other things.
Since things are being used in the summer more often than not, it is possible that you’ll need to call a plumber more frequently. Since there are plumbing issues, it also means that there might be hidden leaks in the pipes somewhere and that can lead to water spoiling everything it touches, so always keep a lookout for it.
Leaky Pipes
Speaking of pipes, summer is also the season when pipes can leak and burst. It might happen more in the summer, but during the summer, the pipes are under enormously hot temperatures. This can cause them to become really weak and one swift motion can break the pipe and it can cause leaks, hence leading to water damage.
If you have a lot of old pipes in the house, then you need to keep an eye on them during the summer, because this is the time when they are the most vulnerable. You want to ensure that you’re not letting any hidden leaks pass by.
That’s because this is the very thing that can lead to water damage like no other and you will be left in a puddle of water, which can soon lead to other things like mold and a really bad smell in your house. You don’t want that now, do you?
Corrosion Due To Humidity
Since it is summer, humidity also won’t be far away and this is a bad thing. Why? Well, because it can cause corrosion in the pipes. Pipes are not just corroded thanks to harsh chemicals or acids. They can also get corroded by humidity and if there is too much moisture in the air.
If you live in a coastal region, then your pipes are done for, because humid air mixed with salt is a recipe for disaster for the pipes (and anything metal) and if the leaks go unnoticed, that’s when water damage will take the disastrous center stage.
Rains & Storms
Summer is also followed by a lot of rain and storms in Maryland, and if Mother Nature is feeling extra wild, then floods will also be an unwanted surprise. The point is, this wet, sticky, and humid atmosphere is not good for the house at all. If there are any old leaks, then they will come back with a vengeance and they will ruin the rest of your house.
So, during this very unexpected downpour, you want to keep an eye on the house. You don’t want your roof leaking or the walls to turn mushy or witness a flooded basement, because that is when the damage will be at its harshest.
Leaky Or Malfunctioning AC Units
Summer is when the air conditioning is on full blast. Well, while you’re trying to dry off the sweat from your body, the air conditioner might run into some problems that can be a domino effect for – you guessed it – water damage.
This is why you want to check for any maintenance in the AC unit, because if the unit breaks down and leaks, then you’re done for, because you won’t notice the severity of the situation before it’s too late. This is why you want to maintain your air conditioning unit when summer comes, so that you don’t run into any problems.
Pool Problems In Summer
Summer is also the time when everyone takes a plunge in the pool. It is a mandatory activity in the summer. However, if your pool is not maintained, then you are going to be in trouble. See, if there are cracks in the pool and the water may steadily out and flood the place.
That is not good at all. Water seeping into anything can lead to foundation issues and water damage, so you definitely don’t want to see how this ends, because, well, it’s not going to be good.
Clogged Drains
This might not entirely be a summer problem, but you can’t be too sure. Drain clogs or even sewer clogs are really common when it comes to summer, because everyone is using a whole lot of water. This can cause the drains and sewers to regurgitate and lead to water damage.
If you don’t want to be surrounded by smelly puddles of wastewater, then this is something that you need to look after. You will be surprised at how much gunk can be in the drains when you go ahead and unclog them.
Mold
Summer – or mainly humidity – can cause water damage too. Mold and water work in harmony when it comes to spreading disasters. If there is mold, water damage won’t be far away, and vice versa. So, as soon as summer comes around, you want to check for mold.
If pipes have mold, then it can cause them to break and that is when water will leak and spill everywhere. This is not good at all and you want to ensure that the damage is contained as much as possible. So, if you think that mold is harmless, well, think again.
Vacations
Summer is also the time for summer vacations and you might have some exciting trips planned for these two months. But when you come back home after leaving the house untouched for 2 months or so, it can be a prelude to water damage.
See, when you’re away on a vacation, the house may be empty and locked. So, if a problem like flooding, rainwater, roof leakage, plumbing issue, drainage problem, or any other issue occurs, you won’t be there to see and get it fixed immediately. The issue will stay there until you get back and till then it might have caused significant damage.
So, hire a house sitter, use cameras, or ask the neighbors to keep an eye on the house for anything usual when you go to a vacation.
Appliance Malfunction
Appliances can also malfunction during the summer. You’re using things like washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators more and more, so it is only common for the appliances to have leaks and malfunctions, and if it goes unnoticed, then the damage can leave a huge disaster in its wake.
Also, the changing temperatures can cause these appliances to break down at the most random of times, so you need to be prepared for this, so that you are not dealing with a host of issues.
Conclusion
Water damage can worsen in the summer and if you don’t want to be left with weak structures and mold, then keep these causes in mind and hire a water damage restoration Potomac service ASAP if experience any mishap.
