Types of Water Damage: Categories and Risks You Need to Know

Various types of water damage wreak havoc on residential and commercial properties throughout Greene County. On average, over 13,000 Americans deal with water damage daily. Without professional support, the uphill battle against water damage can feel never-ending, stressful, and traumatizing. 

Thankfully, ABC Damage Restoration offers high-quality water damage restoration services throughout Missouri. Consider enlisting the services of a damage restoration company immediately following signs of water damage. Neglecting to fix broken pipes or remove mold growth from residential and commercial properties may result in permanent damage in homes and businesses. 

No one should have to deal with water damage alone. Take advantage of ABC Damage Restoration's many years of experience in the damage restoration business. Removing certain types of water damage require special tools and techniques offered by trained professionals. 

Please continue reading to learn more about the most common types of water damage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offer additional information about flood damage and mold growth.

Common Types of Water Damage

Every water source in homes and businesses can result in water damage. For example, water supply lines that send water to dishwashers, sinks, and laundry machines can freeze, break, and develop problematic corrosion damage. A minor leaking pipe can completely upend residential and commercial properties without proper restoration services. 

Water damage in businesses leads to lost sales, disgruntled employees, unsafe indoor air quality, and costly business interruptions. Similarly, residential water damage can cause unsuitable living conditions, foul odors, contaminated drinking water, and eviscerated landscapes. The most common types of water damage include the following: 

Cracked Pipes

Underground water pipes remain exposed to frost damage, freezing cold temperatures, corrosion, and blockages. Water frozen inside pipes obstructs water flow and builds dangerous pressure levels. Too much pressure mounted inside water lines may cause pipes to crack, burst, and disrupt water systems. 

Signs of cracked pipes include the following: 

• Water leaking under sink 
• Irregular water pressure 
• Mold growth
• Strange noises inside the walls
• Higher energy bills

A single burst pipe can completely flood backyards, basements, and bathrooms. The types of water damage caused by burst pipes include excessive mold growth, damaged foundations, contaminated drinking water, and malfunctioning household appliances. Seek water removal services immediately to mitigate the effects of cracked pipes. 

Leaks 

A small leak may not seem like a severe concern for home and business owners. However, minor leaks from dishwashers, roofs, washing machines, or toilets can quickly overwhelm residential and commercial properties. For example, a small leak in a roof exacerbated by heavy snowfall, freezing rain, hail damage, or blustering winds quickly turns an inconsequential leak into a costly complete roof replacement. 

Ignoring small leaks can cause basement and attic flooding. The most common types of water damage caused by leaks include disrupted HVAC systems, siding discoloration, cracked foundations, mildew growth, and water spots. Routine inspections of plumbing systems prevent small leaks from becoming big problems.

Flooding 

Many factors contribute to residential and commercial flooding. In 2022, Yellowstone National Park was evacuated due to flooding caused by melting snow, heavy rainfall, and overburdened watersheds. Unexpected inclement weather conditions remain the primary cause of flooding in Missouri. 

Other flooding causes include leaking appliances, malfunctioning water systems, damaged gutters, and improper drainage of foundations. Flood-related water damage includes damaged flooring, widespread mold growth, musty-smelling basements, insect infestations, reduced indoor air quality, and damaged property. ABC Damage Restoration offers invaluable mold remediation, storm damage restoration, and flood clean-up services to help home and business owners recover from hazardous flooding. 

How to Prevent All Types of Water Damage in Greene County

Home and business owners have many options for preventing water damage to their properties. Annual roof inspections, regularly scheduled pressure washing services, HVAC system maintenance, and plumbing system inspections can prevent all types of water damage from harming homes and businesses. Other preventative measures to consider include the following: 

Upgrade Water Pipes

Lead, galvanized steel, and polybutylene water pipes have poor corrosion resistance and easily crack as temperatures drop. Consider installing copper water pipes to protect homes and businesses from flooding. 

Indoor Air Quality Inspection

Invisible mold, caused by water damage, significantly reduces indoor air quality. Speak to local indoor air quality technicians about low-cost indoor air quality testing in Springfield, MO. 

Trust ABC Damage Restoration for All Your Water Damage Repairs in Springfield, MO 

ABC Damage Restoration proudly serves the Springfield, MO, community. To learn more about different types of water damage and our wide range of services, call ABC Damage Restoration at (417) 352-2303 today!