Water damage can happen at any time, often without warning. From clogged drainpipes to heavy rainfall and foundation cracks, these unexpected events can have devastating consequences for homeowners. But you don’t have to leave it all to chance—locating and repairing minor issues like cracked drain tiles or aging plumbing can help protect your property and your wallet.
Most Common Causes of Residential Water Damage
Broken or Damaged Pipes
Most days, we don’t give our home’s plumbing a second thought. However, with hundreds of feet of pipes running throughout the inside and outside of your home, these hidden systems play a crucial role in everyday life. But they are not failproof.
Over time, pipes will deteriorate for a variety of reasons. Many older homes are fitted with galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes, which have a finite lifespan. However, even newer plumbing is not immune to the dangers of freezing, clogs, or tree roots. Whether it’s your water main, sewer line, or your drain tile, a small issue can quickly escalate into a costly emergency if left unchecked.
Perimeter Drainage
In many areas of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, homes are equipped with perimeter drainage systems. Also known as drain tile or French drains, these systems are designed to redirect water away from the foundation to protect your home from structural damage, basement flooding, and moisture. However, drain tile systems are prone to clogs and other types of damage that require prompt repair. Root intrusion or clogs prevent the system from draining effectively, which can, in turn, cause water to pool around your home’s foundation.
Water Overflow
When was the last time you had your sump pump maintained? Or maybe you have a slow-draining bathtub you’ve been overlooking? These types of issues might seem unimportant, but ignoring them can have huge implications. Water overflow from sinks, toilets, bathtubs, or sump pumps is one of the leading causes of residential water damage. And when you have to start dealing with replacing drywall, flooring, and cabinetry, the costs of repair and cleanup add up quickly.
How to Keep Your Home Safe from Water Damage
While you may not be able to avoid every unexpected leak or storm, the secret to limiting the potential for residential water damage from clogged or damaged pipes, perimeter drainage issues, or drain tile failures is regular maintenance and staying on top of repairs.
Inspection
So, this might seem like a drastic step, but the truth is, routine inspections of your plumbing and drainage systems are a small investment in peace of mind. Annual plumbing inspections cover all your bases, checking for leaks, cracks, clogs, or corrosion in your pipes. If you’re not sure if you need an inspection, keep an eye out for issues like slow drains, water pressure changes, or signs of moisture buildup (like mould), as these can be strong indicators of a developing issue.
Maintenance
You can’t control Mother Nature, but you can control what water and waste you pour or flush down your drains. A shocking number of overflows and clogged pipes could be avoided by simply not putting things like oil, cooking fats, coffee grounds, and flushable wipes (decidedly not flushable!) down the drain. Keep these items for your compost or garbage bin and save yourself a potentially massive headache.
For exterior drainage, ensure that your gutters, downspouts, and drain tiles are clear of debris and are directing water away from your foundation. If your home has a sump pump, have it cleaned and tested regularly.
Repairs
Finally, don’t ignore the warning signs. A small leak today can turn into a major problem tomorrow. Keep watch for the warning signs, such as slow drains, pooling water, and mould and schedule an inspection promptly if you notice any of the above. Taking proactive steps now can save you from costly drain tile repairs and keep your home dry and protected year-round.
Also read : Here’s Everything You Should Know About Drain Tile Repairs
