If you caught Part 1 of this series, you know we covered the external causes of water damage, storm flooding, ice dams, leaky roofs, and basement issues.
Now, it’s time to turn our attention indoors. Your home’s plumbing and mechanical systems usually work silently in the background. Most of the time, you do not think about them at all, until they stop working. And when they fail, they often do so at the worst possible moments.
Today, we are sharing the four internal system failures we have responded to thousands of times across Maine and New Hampshire. These are the calls we get at 3 AM, on holidays, and even during family dinners.
We’ll break down each issue, explain why it’s so common, and share what you need to know to protect your home. By understanding how these failures happen, homeowners can prevent these problems.
Burst Pipes
Common Causes and Where They Happen Most
Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of internal water damage. A single pipe failure can flood a home in just a few hours, sending water through floors, walls, and even personal belongings.
These issues usually happen because pipes in unheated areas freeze and expand during winter, joints weaken over time, and small leaks can slowly turn into full-blown pipe bursts.
Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are the most common trouble spots because they contain most of the plumbing lines and fixtures.
One homeowner, Anne Geisler, experienced this firsthand. She returned home to find puddles everywhere from a pipe that had been running all day while she was at work.
“Octagon was there right when I needed them – the same night I came home to find puddles all over my house from a burst pipe that ran all day while I was at work. A crew arrived with wet vacs, industrial driers and dehumidifiers and ripped out the soaked carpet that first night. They came back in the following days to remove the wet sheetrock and flooring, and worked with my insurance adjuster directly for payment. I can’t say enough about what a great job they did, and what a relief it was to have them come in and do exactly what was needed right away. I’ve never dealt with anything like this before, and hope I never do again. But if I do, they’ll be the folks I call. I found them based on all the 5 star reviews on Google, and they lived up to their ratings.” – A.G.
Winter Preparation Checklist
During the colder months, there are a few simple things you can do to protect your pipes. Insulate any exposed pipes, seal gaps where cold air can get in, and keep your home at a steady temperature to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
You can also let faucets drip slightly during extreme freezes and check your water pressure regularly. By following these precautions, you can keep your home safe from water damage.
If It Happens, Do This Immediately
Even with precautions, accidents can still happen. If you discover a burst pipe, the very first step is to turn off your home’s main water supply. Next, remove any standing water if it is safe to do so and try to protect areas that have not been affected.
After that, call a professional restoration team immediately, because the sooner you call, the easier it is to restore your home.
Dishwasher and Washing Machine Malfunctions
Why This is So Common in ME and NH
Dishwashers and washing machines make daily life easier, but when they fail, they can quickly cause serious water damage. In Maine and New Hampshire, these issues are even more common because of seasonal temperature swings, older appliances, and aging plumbing.
Cold snaps can cause hoses to crack, heavy use during holidays can strain pumps, and sediment buildup in pipes can lead to unexpected leaks. When any of these malfunctions happen, water can spread into cabinets, floors, and nearby walls, causing water damage.
Most Common Malfunctions We’re Called For
These include broken hoses, clogged or worn-out pumps, valve failures, and cracked seals. When these problems happen, leaks can spread quickly, sometimes into multiple rooms if left unnoticed, and can lead to both water damage and mold growth if not addressed promptly.
Warning Signs for Proactive Care
The best way to prevent a major emergency is to catch problems early. Unusual noises during operation, standing water around the appliance, slow drainage, or inconsistent performance mean there may be a problem. Regular maintenance, such as inspecting hoses, cleaning filters, and checking water connections, can also prevent many of these issues.
Sewer Backups
What Causes Sewage Backups
It’s common for tree roots to grow into sewer pipes, while in others, main lines become clogged or damaged over time. On top of that, older pipes can collapse, and during heavy storms, excess runoff can overwhelm the system.
Because these issues often develop gradually, they can go unnoticed for a while. However, without regular inspections and maintenance, even a small blockage can slowly build up and turn into a serious sewer backup.
Warning Signs of Sewer Issues to Know
In many cases, warning signs appear well before a full sewer backup happens. You may notice drains slowing down throughout the home, or hear gurgling sounds coming from toilets and sinks.
At the same time, water might begin pooling near cleanouts, and strong, unpleasant odors can come from drains. Because these signs point to a growing blockage or system issue, catching them early often gives homeowners more options and helps prevent far more serious damage.
Plumbing Leaks
The Silent Destroyer: The Fast and Slow Types of Leaks
Plumbing leaks are often called the silent destroyer, and that is because water can leak slowly behind walls, under floors, or beneath sinks, quietly causing damage over time.
On the other hand, fast leaks release a large amount of water all at once, spreading quickly across floors and into nearby rooms. Both slow and fast leaks can lead to serious problems, so you should never ignore them.
How We Find Hidden Leaks
Because leaks are often out of sight, finding them requires more than just a visual check. That’s why we use tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to trace where water is traveling.
Combined with years of hands-on experience, these tools allow us to locate leaks behind walls or under flooring. As a result, we are able to stop the source before the damage becomes even more extensive.
The DIY vs. Professional Decision
Plumbing systems are connected, which means one mistake can quickly lead to bigger issues. Without the proper tools or training, repairs can worsen the leak or leave hidden moisture behind. Because of this, calling a professional makes sure the problem is fully resolved and helps prevent repeat damage in the future.
What All 4 Have in Common
The Earlier We’re Called, The Better
From our experience, timing makes all the difference. When homeowners reach out at the first sign, the damage is easier to contain, restoration moves faster, and repair costs are often lower. On the other hand, waiting too long allows water to travel, soak structural materials, and create hidden problems like mold or rot, which can complicate the recovery process.
Why Professional Assessment is Necessary
Water damage is not always so obvious. A trained technician can detect hidden moisture, pinpoint the source of leaks, and evaluate the full extent of potential damage. Early professional intervention makes sure that the restoration process addresses every affected area and not just the visible ones.
Knowledge and Preparation are Protection
After more than 20 years helping homeowners across Maine and New Hampshire, one principle stands out: knowledge and preparation are your best protection against water damage. Unlike external causes covered in Part 1, these internal failures can happen to anyone, and understanding common risks and preventative measures makes all the difference.
If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, you can count us for an honest assessment. We are here to help.
Contact Octagon Cleaning & Restoration
Maine Team: 207-893-0002
New Hampshire Team: 603-239-2100
