During a water loss, you expect the water to flow away from the source of the loss and down from higher points of the home to the foundation. Sometimes though, we find water traveled in a different direction than what you were expecting. So why does it do that?
The flow of water during a water loss in a home can be affected by a number of factors, including:
The size of the leak. The larger the leak, the greater the flow of water will be. A larger flow will spread out further and affect a wider area in the home.
The pressure of the water supply. The higher the water pressure, the faster the water will flow. The faster water flow will usually cause the water to flow farther from the source of loss instead of fanning out around that area in a wider puddle.
The source of the leak. Some sources have water under higher pressure than others. They are also more likely to leak slowly like a crack in a pipe or to burst causing sudden water flow like at the water heater.
The location of the leak. Leaks that are located in high-traffic areas, such as near appliances or sinks, are more likely to be noticed and repaired quickly. Leaks in attics or inside walls can be missed for longer periods. They can even leak for years before being discovered.
The weather conditions. Oddly enough even water damage can have seasons. Pipe busts are more common in the winter when they can freeze. AC leaks are more common in the summer when air conditioners are being used more regularly. In Georgia, rainwater flooding occurs more often in spring and fall than during winter and summer.
The direction of the flow of water during a water loss in a home is affected by several factors, including:
The location of the leak. The direction of water flow will be determined by the location of the leak. For example, if a leak is from a pipe that is running horizontally, the water will more likely flow in a straight line. However, if a leak is from a pipe that is running vertically, the water will flow downwards. The same is true of the location of the source itself. Water in the attic will want to flow downward, whereas water on the ground level will tend to spread out across the slab.
The slope of the ground. If the ground is sloped, the water obviously will flow downhill. This can cause the water to spread out over a larger area, making it more difficult to contain.
The presence of obstacles. If there are any obstacles in the path of the water, such as furniture or appliances, the water will flow around or over them. This can cause the water to spread out even further, making it even more difficult to contain. This is also true of building materials. Water inside wall cavities will usually flow downward, but water in the cavity between the floor and ceiling below it will tend to travel horizontally, as that is the path of least resistance. This is further complicated by the fact that obstacles that are absorbent will pull water towards them, but obstacles that are non-porous will cause the water to flow around them and continue on its way. Drywall and insulation, for example, are very absorbent and will cause water to flow towards them but tile and glass are not, so the water will flow around.
The wind. If there is wind, it can also affect the direction of water flow. For example, if the wind is blowing towards the leak, the water will be blown in that direction. That is a strange statement considering we are discussing water inside a building, but there is air movement inside structures too. Air flow that can affect water includes central air coming from vents, air flowing through the coming from open doors or windows and personal fans including ceiling fans, box fans and oscillating fans.
It is important to note that the direction of water flow can change over time. This is because the water can erode the current path and create new channels. As a result, it is important to monitor the water flow and take steps to contain it as soon as possible.
Here are some tips for containing water flow during a water loss in a home:
Turn off the water supply. This will stop the flow of water and is the first step to preventing further damage.
Mop up any water that has already leaked. This will help to prevent mold and mildew growth. You can also use shop vacs, towels or even newspaper to sop up the water as much as possible.
Use sandbags or other barriers to block the flow of water. This will help to contain the water and prevent it from spreading.
Call a plumber to repair the leak. This will help to prevent further water damage.
Call ServiceMaster of Gwinnett or ServiceMaster 5 Points Athens for your water damage mitigation. They will help determine where the water actually went as well as cleaning up and drying out affected areas damaged by water. Starting this process quickly will help minimize the spread of water and damage to your home. Starting the drying process quickly will also limit the opportunity for microbial growth such as mold to occur in enclosed areas such as wall cavities and under flooring.
By following these tips, you can help to contain water flow and prevent further damage during a water loss in your home.
Water damage can be expensive to repair, so it is important to take steps to prevent it from happening. By regularly inspecting your home for leaks and taking action to stop them, you can help to protect your home and your belongings from water damage.
Inspect your pipes regularly for any signs of damage. This includes looking for cracks, leaks, or rust.
Have your water pressure checked regularly. This can be done by a plumber or a water utility company.
Install a water leak detection system. This system will alert you if there is a leak in your home.
Keep your pipes clean. This will help to prevent clogs, which can restrict the flow of water and lead to leaks.
Be careful when using water. Turn off the faucet when you are not using it and avoid running water for long periods of time.
If you do have a water loss in your home, call ServiceMaster of Gwinnett or ServiceMaster 5 Points Athens quickly to help you with your water damage mitigation. We work with most insurance companies directly and provide you with all the documentation you need if you are not filing a claim at that time. We understand in many cases, time is of the essence, so we have technicians available for emergency calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
