If you have ever faced water damage in your home, you know that it isn’t a fun experience. Water can ruin different sections of your home, be a pain to clean up, and can be a hazard if found in the wrong places. This is especially true if you are in a rainy area.
Knowing where water damage occurs the most frequently is the best way to prevent it. You will be able to fix any leaks or cracks allowing water into your home. Here are a few areas you should pay extra attention to in order to fix any water damage that might be occurring.
Pipe Damage
The first place most people think about when talking about water leakage is the water pipes. These can be anywhere in your home, but most common are near your bathrooms or kitchen sink. Pipes can burst, break or just not be tight enough—leading to flooding. If you notice water near these areas, check your pipes first.
Pipe damage is especially common during the winter months. Water sometimes gets stuck in the pipes. Cold weather freezes the water in the pipes, causing them to bust apart. These areas are easy to check and can save you time and money with a quick inspection.
Water Heater Leaks
If you notice water puddles in your basement, you could potentially have a problem with your water heater. A broken water heater can be irritating—and even dangerous. This may mean you need to entirely replace your water heater instead of making repairs to your existing one. When in doubt, contact a professional.
To remove the water heater, you first should cut the power to it. This will make it safe for you to work on. Then you should shut off and drain the water. This will help your plumber make repairs or install your new heater.
Roof Leaks
Another well-known victim of water damage is your roof. Leaks in your roof become obvious after rainy or snowy weather. If you live somewhere that rains often, you will want to get your roof repaired as soon as possible before the issue becomes worse—and it will get worse.
Individual leaks do happen from time-to-time, and require a relatively small amount of maintenance to patch up. Multiple leaks could be a sign you need to replace your roofing entirely. This can be expensive, but investing in a good-quality roof will save you a lot of headache. Make sure you inspect your roof often. You should also make efforts to clean out your gutters to prevent snow build-up on your roof.
Broken Garbage Disposal
A broken garbage disposal is a particularly nasty problem. Not only do you have to deal with water leaks, but other leftover food and gunk, which is terrible to deal with. The easiest way to tell if your garbage disposal might have problems (besides water leakage) is by listening to the sounds your disposal is making.
If it sounds louder than usual, or is less effective at doing its job, it is likely broken or plugged up. You may be able to remove it yourself and drain it yourself. If you are unsure of how to proceed, contact a professional.
Weak Foundation
Flooding and other water damage in your basement or cellar can be caused by a weak or cracked home foundation. If your foundation was laid in a clay-rich soil environment, cracks possibly have formed in your home’s base. This leads to flooding that can be hard to prevent.
Good practices to protect your home’s foundation are to install good irrigation systems to push water away from your home. You can also create barriers to redirect rainwater. If your home was built on top of a hill, you also have an advantage against this. Check your environment and be aware of potential damage.
Mold
Mold growth is not only a sign of water leakage, but it can also become a primary cause of damage. It only takes mold about a day to grow once a basement or attic has been afflicted with flooding or water issues. Mold loves dark and damp places, and will expand to become a full-blown infestation. This can cause more damage than the water if you aren’t careful.
These issues plague people who live in humid, warm areas. Buy a dehumidifier and make sure to take care of water-based issues as soon as you can. Pay attention to mold conditions no matter where you live. If the damage looks really bad, a professional can help you to identify the extent of the damage with a hygrometer or moisture detector.
Broken Appliances
Just like a busted garbage disposal can make trouble for you, broken appliances can be the root cause of your water damage problem. The biggest culprits tend to be old washing machines and dishwashers. If there are leaks in its system, you should not be surprised to see puddles of water after you run it. If this has become a recurring problem, you should invest in a new washing machine or dishwasher.
There are other appliances you should keep an eye on. Refrigerators can have leakage problems, and obviously your toilets. If any of these show leaking problems, contact a professional so they can tell you what is going on.
Irrigation System Damage
Your sprinkler and irrigation system are also prone to water and ice damage. When these get broken, leaks happen more frequently, resulting in a higher likelihood of basement flooding. Water sometimes gets stranded inside pipes, leading to the pipes bursting when it gets warmer outside.
Insulating your sprinkler system is a great way to prevent this. You should also drain the system when possible. A broken sprinkler system not only can affect your home, but it also affects your wallet. Keep an eye on your irrigation system to prevent flooding.
While water damage can be annoying and stressful to deal with, you are not alone. Many people face these problems: whether they come from appliances, weather, or mold. To prevent major damage, it is always smart to perform small inspections throughout the year. If you notice problems immediately, contact professionals to help you diagnose the problems.
You do not have to know a lot about plumbing to notice water. As you self-assess, you will be able to be a more responsible homeowner. Your awareness can (and will) pay off.
It’s always important to keep track of needed repairs in your home so you can prevent extensive damage. Contact us today to schedule an inspection!