Every homeowner in has heard awful stories from a friend or neighbor about the trials and expenses related to water damage in their homes. Most homeowners agree that water damage is their biggest fear related to the care and function of their home. The thought that water could be leaking and damaging the structure of your house is unnerving. But it is essential to know that every homeowner can minimize the potential for water damage to their homes by following a few simple tips from expert plumbers.
Invest Time To Save Money
Early detection is the key to avoiding extensive and costly water damage. The best way to make that happen is to devote a few minutes each month to look for water leaks or signs of leaking water or water damage. The process is straightforward. Set aside fifteen to thirty minutes to tour your home and look for signs of a leak or places where a leak could occur. Areas to inspect include:
- Under the sinks
- Around tubs and showers
- Around toilets
- At outdoor spigots
- Around the dishwasher
- Around the clothes washer
- Inspect the water hoses connecting your washer for signs of cracking or deterioration
- Inspect around your fridge, water dispenser, and icemaker
- Check the water supply line to the fridge for damage or cracks
- Around your water heater
If you see any unexplained moisture or signs of water damage, call your plumber for an in-depth professional examination.
Beware Of Condensation
Excessive condensation can do as much damage to your home as a water leak. The moisture can soak into walls, cabinetry, and other porous materials and create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Once these fungi have taken hold, it can be challenging to eliminate them. At the first indication of mold, clean the area with a disinfectant to eliminate the mold spores and spreading. Installing ventilation and exhaust fans is the best way to remove the moisture created by a nice hot shower.
Know Your Fixtures
Keep an eye on your water fixtures each time that you use them. If the handle on a sink is suddenly more difficult to turn or turns too effortlessly, be aware that it could be a sign of trouble. In addition, if the water pressure or spray pattern changes, these could be signs of a problem. Decreased water pressure is often a sign of a water leak, clog, or corrosion of the fixture nozzle. Addressing these issues as soon as you notice them will significantly decrease the potential for severe water damage to your home.
Think Outside The Box
Think of your home as a box and think about the potential of water damage from a roof leak. While this is not related to your plumbing, you could easily mistake a leaking roof for a leaking water line. The damage will appear the same to anyone other than a licensed plumber who knows where the water lines are in your home and where they could be causing damage. Just like your plumbing system, your roof requires regular care and inspections to prevent costly water damage.
If you encounter any signs of water damage, contact a licensed plumber immediately. The indications of water damage include:
- Unexplained moisture on the floor or walls
- Bubbled or peeling paint
- Soft or spongy drywall
- Staining on walls or ceilings
- Bulging or heaved flooring
The team at A Better Plumber is here 24/7 to handle any plumbing emergency, including water leaks, leaking gas lines, no water or contaminated water in your home. Call (301) 278-8786 to speak to a team member to dispatch a licensed plumber to your home.
