All Pro Services highlights water damage statistics to promote awareness about water damage risks.

Water Damage Statistics That Every Homeowner Should Know

Midvale, United States – September 16, 2021 / All Pro Services

All Pro Services understands the stress and frustration a property owner experiences when a water damage disaster floods the kitchen. The surprise and shock of coming home to a water-soaked carpeting, a collapsed ceiling, the musty smell of mold, or the sickening odor of a sewage backup. When a water damage disaster happens, call in the pros to remove the water and restore the damaged property so that life can return to normal as soon as possible.

Water Damage Data

A water damage disaster in the home can be expensive. Around $13 billion is paid out in insurance claims annually for water damage and water removal. Every day, fourteen thousand Americans must deal with a water damage event, such as a flooded basement, a roof leak, a ruptured supply line spewing water in the laundry room, a sewage backup, or other water intrusions. Ninety-eight percent of all basements will experience some form of water intrusion or water damage during the lifetime of the home. On average, the typical home insurance claim for water damage restoration and removal is over $10,000.

The leading causes of non-weather-related water damage include:

• Appliance leakage and failure
• Sewage backup or clogs
• Water overflow or buildup
• Plumbing, leaking, or burst pipes

Non-weather-related water damage accounts for 19% of property damage insurance claims. Weather-related water damage accounts for 11% of property damage insurance claims. Examples of weather-related water damage are flashfloods, roof leaks, and flooded basements.

Nearly one in three or thirty percent of all property damage insurance claims are weather and non-weather-related water damage. Water damage is a serious matter. The statistics indicate that the odds of experiencing a water damage disaster in the home or business are stacked against the property owner.

How to Reduce the Likelihood of a Water Damage Disaster

Here are some simple, practical ways the homeowner can prevent water damage or pre-empt a situation before it gets out of hand. Homeowners must be aware of what to look for and where water damage most often occurs.

• Conduct a meter check to determine if there is any measurable evidence of a water leak.
• Inspect the home for visible signs of water leaks:

• Under sinks and cabinets
• Toilet seals
• Around faucets
• Stains on walls and ceilings
• Bubbling and peeling paint and wallpaper
• Warped baseboards and flooring
• Sagging ceilings

• Perform a smell test in closets, under sinks, in the laundry room, in the bathroom, in the HVAC unit and ductwork, in the crawl space, and in the basement.
• Inspect the water heater for leaks.
• Check out the HVAC system for leaks in the condensate pan.
• Conduct a visual inspection of the attic, and include a smell test as well. Look for signs of leaks on support beams and on the floor. Look and feel for wet insulation, and feel corrugated boxes for softness and dampness.
• Give the basement a thorough inspection. Look for stains on the floor and walls. If the area smells moldy and musty, test the sump pump system to see if it is operating properly.
• Spend some time examining the crawl space. Look and feel for moisture. Do a smell test for mold, mildew, and a possible sewage spill.
• Clean out the gutters. Clogged gutters can create a cascade of water intrusions that can damage soffits, windows, doors, and the foundation of the home. Make sure downspouts are connected and carry the water far enough away from the foundation. The grade around the house should slope away from the foundation at six inches per six to ten feet.

How to Proactively Prevent Water Damage

1. Change appliance water supply lines before they fail or at the first sign of a problem. The washing machine is the main culprit. By replacing the supply lines every five to seven years, the likelihood of a leak is minuscule. Be sure to use stainless steel braided hose. The extra expense is negligible, but the better quality is worth it.
2. Replace the water heater at the first signs of decline. If the unit is more than ten or twelve years old and has not received regular maintenance, consider replacing the unit.
3. Schedule an annual inspection of the HVAC system to prevent any leaks. Clean and well-maintained HVAC systems are much less prone to develop leaks.
4. Inspect the roof and gutters for damage and debris after severe weather. Look for shingles in the yard after severe weather. Contact a trusted roofer for an inspection if there is a concern.
5. Resolve any leaks as soon as they are discovered.

By following these recommendations, a property owner can significantly reduce the likelihood of water damage. When water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, or other property damage disaster occurs, contact the team of highly trained and experienced professionals at All Pro Services.

For more information about Midvale, UT, water damage restoration, contact the office by phone at (385) 855-2252 or email office@allproutah.com.