7 Reasons to Avoid Water Damage

Water damage poses several risks to a home and can set off a domino effect of losses in monthly bills, claims, and restoration costs. Even a minor leak can add 10% on top of your monthly water bill, not to mention water damage where claims on average cost over $11,000. Water damage affects 14,000 people daily in the United States, and many times can be entirely preventable. For example, smart water automatic shutoff valves can turn off a home's water in seconds upon detecting a catastrophic water event like a burst pipe. We install these types of valves for customers every day, all over the country; Beagle is your trusted water security partner to protect your property and help prevent the risk of water loss and damage. We help you rest easily, through our proactive measures to reduce loss. Our seasoned professionals perform IoT installations, leak detection and help you resolve any plumbing issues, from upgrading toilet supply lines to repairing or replacing water heaters.

Water damage poses several risks to a home, including:

1. Structural damage
When water infiltrates a home, it can damage the structural components such as walls, floors, ceilings, and the foundation. Over time, prolonged exposure to water can weaken these structures, leading to rot, warping, and compromising the integrity of the building.

2. Mold and mildew growth
‍Moisture from water damage creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. These microorganisms can spread quickly and release spores into the air, potentially causing respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. Mold remediation can be expensive and may require professional assistance.

3. Electrical hazards
‍Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Water damage can expose electrical systems to moisture, increasing the risk of electrical shorts, power outages, or even electrical fires. It's essential to turn off electricity in affected areas and have a professional inspect and repair any electrical damage.

4. Damage to personal belongings
‍Water damage can ruin or significantly damage personal belongings such as furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, and sentimental items. Irreplaceable items like photographs, documents, and heirlooms may be lost forever. This can result in significant financial loss and emotional distress.

5. Health hazards
Depending on the source of the water damage, such as sewage backups or contaminated floodwater, there can be health hazards. Waterborne pathogens, bacteria, and toxic substances may be present, posing risks of illness and infection if exposed to humans or pets.

6. Decreased property value
Extensive water damage and the associated repairs can negatively impact the value of a home. Prospective buyers may be hesitant to invest in a property with a history of water damage, leading to decreased market value and difficulty in selling.

7. Increased insurance costs
‍Frequent water damage claims can lead to increased insurance premiums or difficulty in obtaining coverage. Insurance companies may view a home with a history of water damage as a higher risk.

To mitigate these risks, it's important to address water damage promptly.  If you do encounter a leak, you can take immediate action to stop the source of water intrusion, remove standing water, dry affected areas thoroughly, and address any necessary repairs or mold remediation. Regular maintenance, such as inspecting and maintaining plumbing systems, ensuring proper drainage, and implementing preventive measures, can also help reduce the risk of water damage. There are also proactive plumbing solutions available like automatic water shutoff valves and smart water sensors that many insurance companies even offer premium insurance discounts to insureds for having installed. How valves work is they use sensors and technology to detect leaks, and automatically shuts off the water in the event of a catastrophic leak. Smart water sensors can also help prevent water damage in the home by detecting moisture near drains, appliances, or an indoor area potentially vulnerable to water loss. The valve and sensors can even work together so that if moisture is detected by a sensor anywhere in the home, it can communicate with the valve to turn off the water.

Your water security partner, Beagle Services (us!), specializes in proactive plumbing, plumbing technology, and excellent service to keep your property secure. Our team of water security experts can help you prevent water loss and water damage by installing automatic shutoff valves and monitoring them for you with Watchdog, which may even qualify you for a higher discount on your premium insurance rate. That's because Watchdog is a monitored alarm (monitored by us, Beagle Services, 24/7).

Functioning just like a fire alarm, theft alarm, or other security alarm, Watchdog gives you professional monitoring and service coming to you in the event that a critical leak issue is detected by our water alarm. Within minutes of your valve shutting off your water, or sending a leak or plumbing-related alert that may lead you to needing service, Beagle sends a text and email to help you get service from a local expert plumber. Watchdog is an annual plan that comes with year-long benefits.