Regular Maintenance Can Help Control Most Common Sources of Water Damage in the Home

TAMARAC, FL--(Marketwire - Dec 11, 2012) - Super Storm Sandy is still in the news, along with stories and pictures of homes ruined by the unprecedented storm surge and resulting flooding the storm caused along the coast of the northeastern United States. The homeowners affected are dealing with water damage on a massive scale, and the PuroClean family of property damage restoration specialists offers their sincere best wishes to families affected by this disaster.

"Sandy was a true catastrophe, but the danger from water damage is not limited to storms on that scale," says Steve Leger, executive vice president of operations for PuroClean. "In any season, there are sources of water damage in the home that can require expensive repairs and even pose a health threat if they are not detected and addressed promptly."

In spite of the terrible damage inflicted by Sandy, a study earlier this year by Safeco Insurance found that malfunctioning hot water tanks and washing machines are more likely than Mother Nature to cause water damage in the home. In fact, their study concluded that one in every 10 water-damage claims can be traced back to those two appliances and that a home is more likely to be damaged by water than by fire. The recent trend of installing washing machines on the upper floors of homes has increased the potential for these appliances to cause significant damage to the living spaces of a home if a leak develops.

According to Leger, these findings underscore the importance of conscientious home maintenance in every season. In addition to taking steps to control water damage caused by weather-related sources like snow, heavy rain and floods, homeowners need to be vigilant about everyday sources of leaks and dampness that can damage walls and provide the conditions for mold to grow. Leger points out these possible additional trouble spots:

Plumbing: Visible plumbing leaks caused by loose pipe joints or hose attachments are easy to spot and fix. Less obvious are plumbing leaks inside the wall.
Tip: Homeowners can confirm a suspected wall leak by securely taping foil or plastic wrap over the suspect spot on the wall, waiting a few days, and removing and checking the inside surface of the wrap. If moisture has formed, there may be a leak behind the wall.

Pipes: Similar to other plumbing leaks, clogged toilets and drains, blocked garbage disposals and rusted pipes can cause leaks and resulting damage. In exposed pipes in colder areas, the water may freeze and expand, causing the pipe to burst.
Tip: If this is a hazard in your area, insulate exposed pipes or keep a bit of water running through them in the winter.

Heating and Air Conditioning Systems: Faulty air intake or return design in duct systems for both heating and air conditioning systems can draw moist outside air through walls, causing the potential for water damage in the walls.
Tip: This moisture can mix with mold spores in the air, introducing another costly and dangerous source of damage -- indoor mold.

Attics: Warm interior air leaking into the attic and mixing with cooler air can cause condensation to form on the underside of the roof, leading to roof and interior wall damage and potential mold growth. 
Tip: Seal around recessed light fixtures, holes where pipes and wires pass into the attic, drafty attic access points, and exhaust fans that vent into the attic.

PuroClean professionals specialize in property emergency services to help homeowners deal with property damage caused by water, fire, mold and other conditions, according to Leger. When the damage is caused by water -- whether from an indoor leak, faulty appliances, flooding, or violent storms -- PuroClean technicians assess the damage, make necessary repairs and ensure that living spaces are safe and free from mold.

For more information about PuroClean, please visit www.puroclean.com.

About PuroClean
PuroClean is a property damage restoration company that offers emergency clean up, restoration, and repair services including fire and smoke damage restoration, water damage restoration, flood water removal, and mold and mildew removal. PuroClean has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of nearly 300 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies, demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean certified technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. In 2011, PuroClean trained over 10,089 insurance professionals nationwide, helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean, please contact 800-775-PURO or visit www.puroclean.com.