Is Water Damage Easy to Repair?

Here are some common causes of water damage in your home:

• Leaks from pipes, toilets, faucets, and showerheads
• Leaks from appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, or dishwashers
• Clogged drains
• Accidents such as a toilet or bathtub overflowing
• Condensation from air conditioning malfunctions
• Storm-related water damage from rain or snowstorms
• Floods
• Sewage backups

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) identifies water damage by four categories that indicate the degree of damage done to a property. 



1. Class 1 damage causes very few problems and generally is linked to uncontaminated sources including water heaters, sinks, and broken pipes. This damage is generally easy to repair.
2. Class 2 damage impacts an entire room. Water evaporates at a fast rate, with carpets and cushions retaining water. This type of water damage may be more difficult to fix unless you have the right tools and expertise.
3. Class 3 damage typically comes from an overhead source. Water affects the entire area, including drywall and carpeting. The walls and floors are soaked. In this case, it’s best to have a professional make the repairs.
4. Class 4 damage primarily affects flooring in a home. It requires special water removal and restoration procedures, all of which need to be performed by trained professionals.

1. Locate the Source of the Leak: If the cause of the water damage is not apparent, examine the area to find the source. If for plumbing leaks, shut the water off and try to control the leak. If the cause is a toilet overflow or leaking washing machine, shut off the water to the fixture or appliance. If the leak isn’t visible, it may be in the wall.
2. Dry Area Immediately: After finding water damage, start drying the area as soon as possible. Mold and mildew start growing within 24-48 hours. Remove any furniture or other items near the water damage. Use fans to circulate air and dry the wet area. 
3. Disinfect Area: Once the area is dry, disinfect the room with a bleach solution or other disinfectant to prevent mold.

You can prevent many water damage incidents if you take a few steps to keep your home well maintained. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports “one trillion gallons of water” is wasted each year in U.S. homes due to minor, easy-to-fix leaks. You can protect your home from costly water repairs and restoration with the following tips:

1. Monitor Your Water Bill: Review your water bill for any “spikes” in usage. If you notice any anomalies, inspect your pipes for leaks.

2. Maintain Appliances : Regularly check and maintain your appliances, according to manufacturer instructions. This includes washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Pay particular attention to the refrigerator and washing machine hoses as over time, they have a tendency to become damaged.

3. Replace Old Pipes: Old and rusty pipes are one of the leading causes of water leaks in a home. Replace the pipes before they deteriorate further. 

4. Maintain Your Gutters: Home Depot explains that it is essential to “clear out leaves or other debris” from your gutters to avoid clogs. 

5. Inspect Your Roof: Missing or damaged shingles can cause water to leak into your home. 

6. Detect and Repair Leaks: If you find evidence of leaks, make sure to fix them as soon as possible. Some places to check regularly include:

• Floors around your tub, shower, sink, and toilet 
• Faucets
• Pipe fittings 
• Under the sink

7. Examine Your Water Heater: Check under your hot water tank to look for water, rust, or other signs of leaks.

Water damage in your home can be stressful, and you might not be sure what to do. Use this article to determine if you can fix the damage quickly or if you should contact an outside professional for help.

Sources

• https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.iicrc.org/resource/resmgr/docs/standards/iicrc_s500_draft_standard_pu.pdf
• https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-02/documents/ws-ourwater-detect-and-chase-down-leaks-checklist.pdf
• https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-clean-gutters/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90ce752a5b