What's Dripping? 7 Common Causes of Water Damage You Should Know

Water damage can sneak up fast, and when it does, the repair bills can skyrocket. From leaky pipes to full-on flooding, it's one of the most common problems homeowners face. Knowing the top causes of water damage can help you catch issues early and protect your home.

If you're dealing with a soggy floor or ceiling and need reliable help, our team at Restoration 1 of Flatirons is here for fast and trusted Longmont water damage restoration services.

One of the most common questions we hear is: "What causes water damage in a house?" The short answer is: a lot of things, many of which are preventable with the right maintenance and attention.

1. Burst or Leaking Pipes

Pipes can burst due to freezing temperatures, high water pressure, corrosion, or simply old age. Once they break, the water spreads quickly.

Warning Signs to Watch:

• Sudden drop in water pressure: Often the first sign that something is wrong with your plumbing.
• Wet spots on ceilings or walls: Signals that water is leaking from behind the surface.
• Musty odors or mold patches: Indicate long-term moisture behind walls or under floors.
• Unexplained spikes in your water bill: Suggest a hidden leak wasting water.
  

How Restoration 1 of Flatirons Can Help:

Our team provides fast water removal, drying, and repairs for burst or leaking pipes. We're available 24/7 for water damage restoration in Longmont, CO.

2. Appliance Malfunctions

Washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters are common culprits when parts wear out or hoses loosen.

Warning Signs to Watch:

• Puddles forming around appliances: A clear sign of a faulty connection or leak.
• Strange rattling or grinding sounds: Could point to an internal malfunction.
• Mold growth behind or beneath units: Means there's been a slow, unnoticed leak.
  

How Restoration 1 of Flatirons Can Help:

We handle cleanup and repairs from any appliance-related water incidents. Our local Longmont team works fast to prevent further damage and mold growth.

3. Roof Leaks

Storms, worn shingles, and clogged gutters can damage your roof, letting water seep into your attic and ceilings.

Warning Signs to Watch:

• Discoloration or bubbling on ceilings: Caused by moisture trapped behind drywall.
• Damp attic insulation: A sign your roof isn't keeping water out.
• Mold near ceiling corners: Shows long-term roof leaking or attic humidity issues.
  

How Restoration 1 of Flatirons Can Help:

We provide full-service roof leak repair and water damage restoration for homes in Longmont. If you spot a stain on your ceiling, don't wait; it's time to call us.

4. Clogged Gutters

When gutters get clogged with leaves and debris, rainwater can't drain properly. This leads to overflow that damages siding, roofing, and even the foundation.

Warning Signs to Watch:

• Overflowing gutters during rain: Means water isn’t draining where it should.
• Water pooling near your home’s base: Can eventually cause basement leaks.
• Mildew or rot near the eaves: Caused by moisture buildup from gutter backups.
  

How Restoration 1 of Flatirons Can Help:

We offer gutter cleaning and drainage solutions along with expert Longmont water damage restoration to stop the damage and prevent future problems.

5. Sump Pump Failure

If your sump pump can't keep up or stops working altogether, your basement could flood during heavy rains or snowmelt.

Warning Signs to Watch:

• Loud or constant cycling: Means the pump might be malfunctioning.
• Standing water in the basement: A sure sign the pump isn’t doing its job.
• Strange smells or visible rust on the unit: Indicate it’s time for a repair or replacement.
  

How Restoration 1 of Flatirons Can Help:

We repair or replace failed sump pumps and restore any water damage caused by flooding in basements across Longmont, CO.

6. Sewer Backups

Sewer lines can back up due to blockages, tree root intrusions, or heavy rainfall overwhelming the system. This kind of water damage is both dangerous and messy.

Warning Signs to Watch:

• Gurgling drains or slow toilet flushes: Can point to a sewer line problem.
• Strong sewage odors indoors: A warning that wastewater is backing up.
• Water backing up in lower-level tubs or toilets: Means the system is overloaded.
  
  

How Restoration 1 of Flatirons Can Help:

We handle safe, certified cleanup of sewer backups and contaminated water. Don't attempt this one yourself; let our Longmont crew handle it the right way.

7. Natural Disasters

Heavy rainfall, flash floods, and sudden snow melts can overwhelm drainage systems and flood your home in a matter of minutes.

Preparation Tips:

• Install flood barriers or sandbags around entry points: Helps keep rising water out.
• Elevate valuables in the basement: Reduces the risk of permanent damage.
• Keep gutters and sump pumps maintained year-round: Helps your home withstand storms.
  

How Restoration 1 of Flatirons Can Help:

We're your go-to team in Longmont, CO for emergency cleanup and post-storm water damage restoration. We'll help you recover quickly and safely.

Act Fast Before Water Damage Spreads

When you understand the most common causes of water damage, you’re in a better position to stop problems before they grow. Still, some issues happen fast, and when they do, you need a trusted local team on your side.

Call Restoration 1 of Flatirons today at (720) 547-9355 or visit our website for fast, professional water damage restoration in Longmont, CO. We're here 24/7 to protect your home and get it back to normal.