Water damage is more common than many homeowners realize. Some 14,000 people in the U.S. experience water damage every day, and the average insurance payout for such damage is $11,605. In fact, water and frost damage is the second most common claim filed under homeowner’s insurance, just behind wind and hail damage. Approximately 1 in 60 insured homes file a claim each year. Quick action is essential to avoid major repair costs.
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Prevention Through Property Evaluation and Waterproofing Measures
The location of a property plays a significant role in its vulnerability to water damage. Houses in floodplains or with high groundwater levels are particularly at risk.
Here, it is advisable to take preventive measures such as reliable basement waterproofing to prevent water leaks. Waterproof windows and drainage systems can also help to protect the basement from flooding.
Regular gutter and downspout maintenance should also be part of the routine to ensure that rainwater is properly drained away.
How Likely is Flooding at My Location?
Statistics show that 99% of U.S. counties were affected by flooding at least once between 1996 and 2019. The Gulf Coast states in particular, such as Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Mississippi, are especially vulnerable due to hurricanes and heavy rainfall. On average, about 71,000 flood insurance claims are filed each year, making flooding one of the most common natural disasters in the U.S.
An important resource is FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center (Federal Emergency Management Agency), which offers detailed maps showing the flood risk in certain areas. They are based on extensive statistical analysis and historical data. Homeowners can quickly find out if their home is in a flood zone by entering their address and taking early precautions.
Outdated Pipes as a Common Cause
Outdated pipes are one of the main causes of water damage, especially in older buildings where materials such as lead and galvanized steel were used. These types of pipes tend to corrode over time, which can cause leaks and rust stains.
A well-known example of this is Chicago, where toxic lead in drinking water was found in almost 70% of households tested. These old lead pipes can leach lead into the water, which is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women, as even small amounts of lead can cause health problems.
An analysis of the city showed that about three out of 10 households tested had lead levels above 5 parts per billion (ppb) – a level above the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limit for bottled water.
Particularly problematic is that lead is released from old pipes as the water flows from utility lines to household lines. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lead levels in tap water should not exceed 15 ppb, although even this level is considered a health concern.
Vulnerable Materials and Their Risks
Even copper pipes, which have been widely used in the United States since the 1960s, can corrode over time, especially if the water flowing through them has a high acid content. This corrosion can cause small, barely visible holes in the pipes, which over time can lead to larger leaks.
Plastic pipes, such as polybutylene, which were used in the 1970s to 1990s, have been shown to become brittle over time and break under pressure.
As soon as such damage or material wear becomes visible, such as damp walls or rust spots, the water should be shut off immediately and a professional called in to prevent more extensive damage.
Insulating Pipes in Cold Temperatures
Cold temperatures can also cause burst pipes when water freezes in uninsulated pipes. This risk is particularly high in states like New York, where temperatures regularly fall below freezing in winter. When water freezes, it expands and can cause pipes to burst.
To prevent this, all water pipes that run through unheated rooms, such as the basement or garage, should be properly insulated. Self-adhesive insulating sleeves or special heating tapes provide an easy way to protect pipes.
Read Next: Several Ways That Water Can Cause Damage To Your Home