House flooding can occur at any time, especially when you live in a coastal region or hurricane-prone area. And while some flooding is beyond your control, other flood causes are preventable with the right maintenance. Take a minute to learn about common causes of household flooding your Orange County water damage restoration team wants you to know about.
Washing Machine Failure
Whether your washing machine is in your basement or a dedicated laundry room, it is important to inspect the appliance regularly for leaks. A washing machine can easily flood a laundry room or basement, resulting in serious water damage and mold growth without immediate remediation. Disconnected hoses and mechanical failures are among the most common reasons for washing machine leaks, though wear and tear from old age also plays a role. Have the major appliance professionally inspected annually to stay ahead of flood problems.
Blocked Drains
Household drains can become blocked with a wide variety of debris, including food particles, hair, feminine products, soap scum, hard water deposits, and oil, fat, and grease. If a drain becomes seriously clogged, it can eventually cause standing water and plumbing backups. Depending on the offending drain, the backup can include raw sewage full of bacteria and pathogens. Toxic fumes enter your home as well to irritate the respiratory systems of household members. Prevent damaging blockages by using drain covers, watching what you flush and allow down drains, and scheduling drain cleaning services once a year. You can also clean and deodorize your drains with hot water and white vinegar.
Clogged or Damaged Gutters
Drains aren’t the only household components that can clog. If gutters become blocked with leaves, twigs, animal nests, and other debris, they do not allow rainwater to flow efficiently off of your roof and away from your home. Water can subsequently spill over the sides of the drainage system, causing siding damage and pooling around your home’s foundation. Excessive pooling often results in basement flooding from water penetrating foundation cracks and entering basement windows. Severe storms compound basement flooding issues because the gutters cannot accommodate incoming water quickly enough. Clean your gutters at least twice a year to prevent basement flooding and roof damage, and consider using gutter guards that limit the amount of debris entering the system.
Schedule flood cleanup services for your Los Angeles home whenever you need them with Mold Masters, your Orange County mold inspectors.