water damage costs society more than 5 billion every year.

 

Water damage in buildings costs more than 5 billion crowns every year to repair. That is just as much as all fire, storm and break-in damages together. The Water Damage Report from 2002 showed this. One factor that is difficult to evaluate in terms of cost is the inconvenience the one living with such damage has to live with for weeks. Torn-up floors and taking care of personal hygiene in a kitchen sink are at least as trying as the extra expense water damage means. In addition, water damage causes environmental and sanitary problems such as smell and the spread of bacteria, which also contributes to destruction of an investment.

 

The VVS Installers have, together with among others insurance companies, done a followup on the Water Damage Report from 2002. Not surprisingly, it shows that drainage pipes account for the largest proportion of water damage in multiple family dwellings. The largest proportion of damage in drainage systems are found in buildings constructed in the 1960’s and 1970’s. And the biggest reason for it is, not unexpectedly, corrosion damage. But it is worth noting that corrosion damage also occurs in drainage systems in buildings constructed in the 1980’s. However, it is true of course that the older the pipes, the more often corrosion damage occurs. 8% of the damage is related to floor drains because of corrosion, cracks and the like. When speaking of equipment, the dishwasher is the largest cause of water damage. The entire study can be ordered at the VVS Installer’s home page.

 

Some tips for avoiding water damage from your drainage system:

  • Clean floor drains regularly in the bathtub and shower. Clean and rinse the drainage system every 5th to 10th year.
  • Check and replace drain hoses for dishwashing machines and washing machines as needed or at least every 10th year.
  • The best alternative is of course to take care of problems before they occur. If the pipes in your home are from the 1960’s, -70’s or even –80’s, it may be time for maintenance or inspection. Of course we hope you will contact Proline so we can help you with evaluating the situation and building new pipes in the old.