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Water damage can be devastating, whether caused by a man-made malfunction or a natural disaster. Witnessing your home and irreplaceable belongings destroyed or damaged by flooding takes a severe emotional and financial toll. We often hear about traumatic floods caused by storms, but most household flooding has other causes: a burst pipe, a broken washing machine, or a leaking water heater. According to FEMA, just an inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage to your home. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and mitigate flood damage, and your security system can play a vital role in protecting your home.
What Causes Water Damage In Homes?
While weather-related floods grab headlines, household water damage is far more common and can be expensive. Man-made leaks are easier to detect and prevent with security monitoring. Water damage can be caused by:
- Storms and other weather conditions
- Burst pipes
- Malfunctioning appliances
- Clogged gutters
- Exterior drainage problems
What Is The Difference Between a Flood and a Leak?
In the eyes of the insurance companies, flooding is strictly limited to specific types of inundation from water from outside your home. However, water damage can be caused by both in-home and natural sources. Floods bring outside water–and possible contaminants–into your home. Leaks come from a specific source (like an appliance) and are easier to detect, prevent and shut off. However, leaks can still cause significant water damage. Of course, in non-technical terms, we can still refer to water damage from a burst pipe or malfunctioning appliance as “flooding” when it causes water to cover our floors and damage furniture and belongings.
What Should I Do If My House Floods?
Stopping water as quickly as possible and keeping yourself and your family safe are priorities when it comes to limiting water damage.
- Stop the water flow: turn off the water at the source immediately if the flood is related to an appliance or damaged pipe.
- Turn off the electricity to protect your safety.
- Contact your insurance company immediately to begin the claims process.
- Remove damaged belongings and salvage personal items when possible.
- Safely document the damage with photos and notes.
- Hire a professional clean-up crew to avoid further damage and ensure your safety
- Focus on mold prevention moving forward by working to dry flooded areas as quickly as possible
How Can I Prevent Flooding and Water Damage in My Home?
In the case of natural disasters, there’s not always much homeowners can do, and personal safety is a priority. But when it comes to other types of water damage, there are several effective prevention strategies.
- Check your plumbing and appliance lines regularly.
- Prepare for weather-related flooding, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. Make sure your house is appropriately elevated and sealed.
- Invest in a sump pump that collects and removes excess water from your home
- Make sure your gutters, foundation, and drainage systems are in good repair. Include a flood monitoring system in your smart home security system.
How Can My Home Security System Help Me Avoid Water Damage?
Your security system can include water sensors on your appliances, including water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers. When water overflows, your alarm panel gets an alert. Your security system sends notifications to your smartphone when you’re not at home so you can react quickly in the crucial early moments. We can even install features to shut off the water automatically when appliances are leaking or damaged. At Aegis Technologies, we understand that outside intruders are just one potential danger homeowners face. A comprehensive home security system also helps protect you from water damage, smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, and other threats. It’s one more way we work to keep you and your family safe with smart home technology.
