Don’t tell me that you’d be okay with some form – any form, of water damage in the home? Dealing with damage caused by water leaks is never good. The repercussions are a lot and all bad. Even a limited problem is often enough to leave behind chaos, severe damage, even mold. Plus, some leaks may cause damage to the electrical panels and outlets in the home, while a fire is likely to start too. From one day to the next, you suddenly need water and fire damage restoration – all due to a tiny leak. Not good at all.
Yes, it’s true. Restoring damage, even finding some efficient mold cleanup solutions, is possible and usually one call away. But wouldn’t it be much better if you could avoid all that? Well, there’s something you can do. What’s that? Inspecting the home for possible water leaks or problems that may lead to water leaks. And there are 5 places you need to check rather often.
Bathroom fixtures
The biggest disasters start in bathrooms. Think of how many sources of water are found in bathrooms – the sink, the shower, the toilet, the tub. Now, imagine how many pipes run behind walls and under floors and you will easily understand the extent of water damage should there is a leak.
Now, when a pipe bursts, the water damage is so immediate that you won’t help but notice it. Since the objective is to prevent such disasters, it’s best to have the plumbing pipes replaced when they have served for quite a few years.
On a daily basis, you may have your mind to the water pressure – low pressure may imply a leak. If there are appliances in the bathroom, check them often as well. Leaky washers may cause damage as well.
Water meter
Keep an eye on the water meter. Rather, run some tests from time to time, like writing down the numbers indicated on the water meter now and the number indicated an hour later and with the water supplier shut. This test will tell you if there’s a leak. To see whether the leak is indoors or outside, shut the water valves indoors and outside respectively as you test the water meter.
Water bills
Pay attention to the monthly water bills. Unless your habits change dramatically between months, you will most likely continue to pay the same – or similar – amount each month. If you notice an increase, there’s a leak.
Kitchen cabinet & appliances
Since the kitchen sink is used a lot, the fixtures in the cabinet underneath may get saturated rather fast. The good news here is that large parts of such fixtures are accessible to you and so, they can be effortlessly checked. This way, a small leak can be addressed before it becomes a disaster. You can also prevent leaks by having such fixtures replaced when you see that they are aged or worn.
Don’t forget that another source of water damage in the kitchen is the refrigerator. The dishwasher too. If the appliances are old or do not work well, it’s best to have them fixed before they leak. If you find some puddles around them, it’s likely an indication of leakage – a problem that should be fixed before it gets out of hands.
Attic & ceilings
Roofs leak too. All it takes is a few broken shingles, worn flashing, gutter overflow, ice dams and then leaks happen. If there’s an attic, pay it a visit from time to time to inspect the condition of the walls and ceiling. Or keep an eye on the ceiling and walls of the rooms just under the roof. Even a tiny discoloration would mean a leak. But you won’t know it unless you look. Right?
So, check all these parts of the house, the bill and meter too, to prevent rather than restore damage. Or, at least, to need the minimum possible water damage restoration.
