The best way to save yourself from a time-intensive, costly cleanup is to prevent water damage from occurring in the first place, but can you recognize the signs that indicate when you’re about to have a soggy mess on your hands?
What Causes Water Damage?
In most cases of water damage, time is the culprit. Ordinary wear-and-tear on your pipes, water pressure that’s set too high, and age can all cause leaks. A small leak can become a huge problem quickly, so it’s important that you address drips, leaks and cracks in your pipes immediately.
It’s a good idea to check your pipes at least once a year. If you suspect there’s a leak somewhere, check:
- Visible pipes
- Washing machine and dishwasher hoses
- The roof
- Your sump pump
If you think there’s a leak but you’re not sure where it’s coming from, you’ll also need to check for:
- Dark spots under exposed pipes, such as on the bottom of sink cabinets
- Stains on ceilings
- Toilets that rock
- Loose or damaged shingles
- Standing water beneath your water heater
- Rust on your water heater
- Standing water beneath your water softener
- Rust on your water softener
- Damaged downspouts
Because stress can result in plumbing leaks, it’s a good idea to buy a hose bib gauge to see how much your pipes are forced to deal with each day. Normal pressure in a home is between 40 and 85 pounds per square inch, so if yours is higher, it might be time to call a professional to install a pressure reducer.
Why Water Damage is So Harmful
Water doesn’t always cause large-scale damage, although anyone who’s ever seen what a backed up sump pump can do knows that a house flood can be catastrophic. Small leaks can cause a lot of damage over time and they lead to persistent problems such as mold, mildew and rot. Damp wood is a big attraction for termites and carpenter ants as well.
Many homeowners insurance policies don’t cover floods, so it’s a good idea to check your own policy and upgrade if it’s financially feasible.
How to Prevent Water Damage in and Around Your Home
The sooner you catch a water leak, the better off you’ll be. If you can repair a small leak yourself, you’ll probably end up saving the money a professional would cost (and water damage experts are certainly not cheap). Just be certain that your repair doesn’t exceed your expertise.
Examine all the usual suspects routinely. Walk through your home and open cupboards, check behind toilets and look at the ceilings beneath plumbing pipes. Keep an eye on your water bill, too; a sudden uptick in the charges might signal a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
As with anything home-related, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For the most part, you can spot problem areas long before they cause a big problem.
Helton Tool & Home 