Plumbing Problems That Cause Water Damage

Water damage is something that no homeowner wants to experience. These plumbing problem that cause water damage can cause many problems within a home such as weakening the structure and leading to toxins like mold and mildew if not detected quickly. Additionally, repairing water damage can be very costly. The average cost of water damage repair, according to Home Advisor, is roughly $2,500 although it can range from a few hundred to several thousands. 

Knowledge is incredibly important when it comes to maintaining a home and proactively preventing problems. Thus, let’s take a look at some of the top plumbing problems that cause water damage. 

Leaking Pipes Cause Water Damage

Perhaps the most common plumbing issues that we see is caused from leaking pipes. There are a number of causes for this; however, loose fitting pipes are one of the most common. Additionally, while proper plumbing lasts a long time, plumbing that is aged can begin to have loose fittings which can lead to leaks. If you see a sign of a leak such as dampness, moisture on an exposed pipe, or anything else, you’ll want to contact a plumber to check it out and make any necessary repairs. 

Burst Pipes

While leaking pipes are problematic, a burst pipe can be a disaster. Burst pipes tend to occur in cold weather. The water in your pipes can freeze during the winter if the pipes are not properly insulated. This is what caused pipes to burst. Unfortunately, a burst pipe may be difficult to detect, particularly if it occurs in the walls or beneath your home. For this reason, if your pipes are not insulated, you may want to drip water during freezes as doing so will help prevent the problem. This problem is an extremely damaging plumbing problem that causes water damage.

Clogged Toilets

You never really realize how much water a toilet uses until you get a clog. A sufficiently clogged toilet can be stubborn and can quickly overflow, sending water throughout your bathroom. This can be a particularly unpleasant problem to clean up. For this reason, it is best not to try to force clogs down by flushing. Utilize a plunger or auger to get rid of the clog or simply call a plumber to address the issue for stubborn clogs. 

Leaking Toilets

While not as common as clogged toilets, sometimes you will experience a leaking toilet. This tends to happen when the seal that connects the toilet with the drainage line below it starts to go bad. A leaking toilet will often leak some water around the base; however, one of the telltale signs is a stubborn smell that you cannot get rid of (i.e. the sewage line). This type of leak can damage your floor or subfloor rather quickly. Your local plumber can easily replace a broken toilet seal with a new one for a quick fix. 

Bad Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are great for helping us quickly dispose of food scraps; however, they do have a limited lifetime. When a garbage disposal goes bad, one of the frequent causes is a busted seal within the internal parts. When this happens, your disposal often cannot be repaired, and a new one is needed. Unfortunately, a broken disposal can also cause a leak that can damage your cabinets under the sink. If you have a leaky disposal, don’t use that side of the sink, dry the area beneath, and place a bucket to collect the leak until a plumber can come out. 

Final Thoughts On Plumbing Problems That Cause Water Damage

While there are a wide variety of potential plumbing problems that can lead to water damage, looking out for signs of possible leaks can help you detect and resolve a problem quickly. Responding quickly to issues involving plumbing issues is integral for protecting your home from water damage as water damage can occur rather quickly. We hope this article helps you understand the top plumbing problems that cause water damage.