Top 5 Causes of Water Damage in Your Home — And How to Prevent Them

Water damage in your home is more common—and more expensive—than you may realize. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage and freezing issues accounted for nearly 24% of all homeowner’s insurance claims nationwide between 2017 and 2023, with an average payout exceeding $12,500 per claim.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve spent over 40 years helping Chicago, North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County homeowners recover from devastating water damage. But here’s the good news: many of these disasters are preventable.

In this updated guide, we break down the top five causes of water damage in your home, how to recognize the warning signs, and how to protect your property before you need emergency water damage restoration.

1️⃣ Plumbing Problems

Your home’s plumbing is both essential and vulnerable. Hidden leaks, pipe corrosion, or failed fittings can quietly destroy walls, floors, and ceilings long before you notice.

What to watch for:

• Unexpectedly high water bills
• Soft spots, stains, or bubbling on walls and ceilings
• Warped or discolored floorboards near bathrooms or kitchens
• Musty odors, especially near sinks or in basements

How to prevent plumbing-related water damage:

• Annual plumbing inspections by a licensed plumber
• Replace aging pipes: brass (70+ years), copper (50+ years), galvanized steel (20–50 years)
• Install smart water leak sensors that send phone alerts
• Check under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances regularly

A proactive plumbing check is much cheaper than emergency water damage cleanup!

2️⃣ Washing Machine Leaks

Washing machines are a notorious water damage source, especially when hoses fail. A ruptured supply hose can spill over 600 gallons of water per hour, flooding laundry rooms, adjacent rooms, or even floors below.

Prevention tips:

• Replace washing machine hoses every 5 years—even braided “no-burst” types
• Never overload your washer; overfilling stresses gaskets and valves
• Use stainless steel braided hoses instead of rubber
• Turn off water supply valves when going on extended trips

If your washer is on an upper floor, the risk multiplies—consider installing a drip pan under the unit.

3️⃣ Frozen and Burst Pipes

Chicago’s brutal winters make this a local homeowner nightmare. When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside your pipes expands and can cause them to burst, releasing thousands of gallons of water.

Preparation checklist for winter:

• Insulate all exposed pipes (especially in basements, attics, garages)
• Apply heat tape on vulnerable stretches
• Keep the heat on when away from home (minimum 55°F)
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to circulate warm air
• Drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior spigots

A single frozen pipe can cause over $10,000 in damages—a small investment in insulation can save you massively.

4️⃣ Aging Water Heaters

Most water heaters have a lifespan of 8–12 years. After that, corrosion can weaken the tank and cause catastrophic leaks.

Signs your water heater may be near failure:

• Rusty water from faucets
• Popping or rumbling sounds (sediment buildup)
• Moisture or corrosion around the tank base
• Inconsistent hot water supply

We recommend:

• Checking the manufacturer date (usually in the serial number)
• Scheduling annual flushes and maintenance
• Planning replacement at 10 years for tanks, 20 years for tankless systems

Don’t wait until the bottom rusts out—plan ahead!

5️⃣ Severe Weather

Chicago’s heavy rains, snowmelt, and occasional flash floods are major water damage culprits. Basement flooding, roof leaks, and foundation seepage are all common after storms.

Storm-proof your home:

• Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year
• Extend downspouts 6+ feet away from the foundation
• Seal foundation cracks and window wells
• Inspect the roof annually for damaged shingles or flashing
• Install a sump pump with battery backup in the basement
• Add attic insulation to prevent ice dams

Weatherproofing isn’t just for winter—it’s a year-round job.

Bonus: Common Signs of Water Damage

Wondering if you already have hidden water damage? Watch for these red flags:

• Musty smells
• Discolored walls or ceilings
• Peeling paint or wallpaper
• Buckling floors
• Mold patches or mildew growth

If you spot any of these, call a professional water damage cleanup service like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons right away.

Why Professional Help Matters

DIY water cleanup can miss hidden damage, especially in wall cavities, insulation, or under flooring. Our IICRC-certified teams use industrial-grade drying equipment, thermal imaging, and moisture detection tools to ensure your home is truly dry and mold-free.

Areas We Serve

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons proudly serves:
Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Northbrook, Glenview, Northfield, Deerfield, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, Oak Park, River Forest, and DuPage County.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest restoration company. Our local franchise, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, has over 40 years of experience providing expert water, fire, and mold restoration across Chicagoland. Led by IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer Sam Simon and CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, we are a proud MBE/WBE-certified firm committed to excellence.

Learn more in our book, RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset.

Need Help Now?

If you’re facing water damage or want a home inspection, call us today at 773-376-1110 or visit
https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/restoration-services/residential/water.