You may have read in our last blog that nearly 25 percent of all homeowners have experienced some form of water damage. While this sounds ominous by itself, the lasting effects of water damage on your house can have negative and costly implications for years to come. Simply put, you can’t afford to ignore small leaks that can turn into big problems. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the ramifications that unchecked water can have on your house so that you’re more aware than ever about the need to protect one of your largest investments – and the place you and your family literally call home. Here are some of the troublesome issues you might face from water damage.

Structural damage. 

Continuous leaking and standing water can have structural consequences for your home, including cracks in the walls and foundation. Repairing this type of damage is costly and can take months to correct. Solutions such as foundation piering can help to remedy this problem but are expensive and in some cases can require you to evacuate your house during the repair for safety precautions. 

Electrical issues. 

Plumbing and appliance leaks can result in water shorting out your home’s electrical system, which may leave you in the dark in more ways than one. If not properly repaired, this damaged wiring may result in power surges that could permanently damage appliances and devices plugged into your electrical system. Typically, most electrical components that were underwater even for a brief time will need to be replaced. 

Mold and mildew.

Even minimal water damage can increase moisture levels in your home and create the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. These developments can often go undetected beneath floors and inside walls so it’s important to have a professional inspect for mold levels. Unchecked mold can cause deterioration in your home and can also lead to health issues, especially for people with respiratory issues. 

Insurance considerations.

While some home insurance policies may cover the cost of water damage that occurs suddenly or accidentally from a source inside your home, many insurance policies exclude water damage that happens over time, such as a slow, undetected leak. No matter what, water damage claims may result in higher insurance premiums and possible delays in receiving reimbursements for home repairs. 

WaterCop can help you avoid these challenges. 

While these obstacles may feel overwhelming, there is an answer that can give you peace of mind. WaterCop systems utilize an automatic shut-off valve installed on the water supply line of a home or commercial building. When sensors, installed in high-risk plumbing locations, detect a leak, a signal is instantly sent to the automatic shut-off valve to close the main water line. Water flow is quickly stopped to downstream areas of a home or building, reducing the chance of major flooding. Add WaterCop SmartConnect and the free WaterCop App for system notifications and control anytime, anywhere.

WaterCop is here to help you avoid water damage challenges. If you would like to learn more about what WaterCop has to offer, we invite you to explore the details within our website or feel free to contact us at 800-545-3636.