It's the stuff of nightmares: coming home from a long day at work to find your house flooded. However, there are also many cases of home floods that are caused by human error. In this blog post, we will discuss the top reasons why home floods happen. We'll also provide tips on how you can prevent your home from being flooded in the future.
Water heater malfunctions and leaks
This is one of the most common causes of home floods. If your water heater is leaking, it's important to shut off the water supply to your home and call a plumber immediately.
Leaky Pipes
Another common cause of home flooding is burst pipes. This can be due to a number of factors, including freezing temperatures, high water pressure, or damage to the pipe itself. If you think a pipe in your home has burst, it's important to shut off the water supply to your home and call a plumber immediately.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters and downspouts are another common cause of home flooding. When gutters and downspouts become clogged with leaves and debris, they can't effectively drain rainwater away from your home. This can cause water to accumulate and eventually overflow, resulting in a flood.
To prevent this from happening, it's important to keep your gutters and downspouts clean and clear of debris. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
Sump Pump Failure
Sump pump failures are also common causes of home flooding. A sump pump is designed to remove water from the basement or crawlspace of your home. If the pump fails, water can quickly build up and cause a flood.
Toilets and Sinks
Overflows from toilets and sinks are another common cause of home flooding. If a toilet or sink overflows, you should immediately shut off the water supply to your home and contact a plumber.
Basement flooding from heavy rains and storms
Heavy rains and storms can also cause basement floods. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you should have a back-up plan in case you lose power or something else disastrous happens.
Roof Cracks
If your roof is cracked or damaged, it can allow water to seep into your home and cause a flood. Regularly having your roof inspected and repaired by a qualified roofing contractor is crucial.
Foundation cracks
Foundation cracks are another common cause of home flooding. If you notice any cracks in your foundation, we recommend hiring a professional as soon as possible to fix them.
Improper drainage around your home
If the ground around your home is not properly graded or if there is poor drainage, water can pool around your home and eventually seep into your basement or crawlspace. This can lead to a flood.
Conclusion
Home floods can be caused by a number of different factors. Some of the most common causes include water heater malfunctions and leaks, burst pipes, clogged gutters and downspouts, sump pump failures, toilet and sink overflows, heavy rains and storms, and roof cracks. To prevent a flood from happening in your home, you should be aware of these potential risks and take steps to avoid them.
