Floods can be immediate and severe, or slow and unnoticed. The resulting water damage and mold growth can create several problems. Thankfully, understanding the common causes of home floods by using the guide below will help you avoid frequent water damage repairs. 

What Causes Flooding in the Home?

1. Broken Pipes

A single leak can develop from corrosion, built-up pressure, freezing, or age, which then leads to flooding. When water pours out of pipes, it can quickly fill spaces in your home. Leaks aren’t always easy to detect, and they may start out slow, which is why it’s important to schedule yearly plumbing inspections.

2. A Poor Drainage System

Flooding can occur after heavy rains when there’s poor drainage around your home. An effective yard drainage system will eject rainwater—even during heavy rains—from your property and to the street sewers.

There should be a small slope against the side of your home, and you should always check that your gutters and downspouts are clear. If you notice standing water in your yard, have landscaping professionals install a trench that will remove it.

3. Clogs

Clogged sewer and drain lines can burst pipes and backflow waste into your home. Clogs often develop from flushing the wrong items down the drain or tree roots breaking into your septic line.

Make sure to never flush grease, starchy foods, fats and oils, coffee down the drain. Feminine hygiene products, diapers, paper towels, and other products that absorb water should also never be flushed. 

4. Broken Appliances

Washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters, and other large home appliances can leak when they’re broken. A small leak will eventually become heavier, and water may pour out of openings in the exterior or breaks in the water hoses. You should have your appliances inspected regularly and address any small leaks right away to avoid water damage repairs.

If you’ve already dealt with flooding and require water damage repairs, contact Environmental Hazmat Services Inc. Based in Dothan, AL, this company provides 24/7 recovery and restoration services. They can handle water remediation, mold removal, hazmat cleanup, and more, which you can explore on their website. Call (334) 702-1603 to schedule a consultation.