The Most Common Causes of Water Damage to a Home

Typically when we get a call for water damage in a home, it is not caused by flooding from heavy rain.

Water damage is usually caused by a leaking pipe, clogged drain or appliance malfunctions.

  • Most commonly we run into situations where an HVAC unit drip pan has overflowed and caused water damage to a roof or floor. We typically get called in for these situations during the warmer months of the year, because air conditioners are more frequently on and constantly running.
  • Other than HVAC units, dishwashing machines and clothes washing machines also have leaks and cause water damage to surrounding surfaces and structures.

We receive fewer calls for these types of situations, but they are still common.

Most Common Causes of Water Damage
  • We also commonly receive calls for water damage in homes caused by a leaking pipe.

These jobs are usually more tedious and involve the use of multiple subcontractors, such as a plumber and carpenter, to repair the leaking pipe and damaged surrounding areas of the home. These situations are more common in the colder months of the year because southern homes are typically not prepared for hard freezes. Some homeowners also forget to let their faucets drip during winter freezes. As a result, the water in their pipes freeze and expand, potentially causing one of the pipes to crack then leak once the water melts.

  • Occasionally we receive calls for water damage caused by a clogged drain.

We usually handle these situations the same as if a client had a leaking pipe. A plumber would need to unclog the drain, we would get rid of the excess water, and a carpenter would come in to repair the surrounding areas of the home.

If you think your home or business may have suffered from water damage, call our Baton Rouge water damage professionals now.