Having your own home is a good feeling because it’s a sign of financial security. However, being a homeowner also means taking care of it as much as possible. Naturally, you’ll need to look out for signs of damage and things that can cause damage, such as water.
Water damage isn’t unheard of, but one wrong move and you can end up with damaged property. A leak usually causes water damage, but other things can also cause it, such as age, a broken pipe, or even a cracked window. The moisture does the most damage because it can cause things like mold, which can be hard to remove.
For this reason, any homeowner must be aware of the areas where they should look for possible signs of water damage. These include:
#1 – Water Pipes
Naturally, water pipes are something that you should check for signs of damage. They might be the most frequent source of water damage in your home, so you have to check them for any signs of a leak. The trick is to check your pipes for discoloration, mold, stains, or damage like rust. If you find anything, turn off the water and call a plumber.
You should also be aware of your floor, as it’s a good idea to check your floors for any stains. These are the most obvious signs of water damage, and they might even give you some clues about where the water is coming from.
#2 – Gutters
The first line of defense against rainwater is your gutters. They must be clear of any debris, leaves, or other things that can clog them up. If you notice that they are clogged, the leaves can get stuck, and then the water won’t be able to move away well. So, check the gutters for any signs of clogging and clear them out by hand if you have to.
#3 – The Toilet
A toilet that has clogged up is a common source of water damage. When toilets don’t flush properly, a lot of water can get stuck inside and flood your bathroom. Often, water will get stuck in the pipes, and you’ll have to call a plumber to get rid of it by using a snake.
You must check your toilet now and then to see if there is any water left. You can also check the pipes to see if they are discolored because they might have caused a leak if they are.
#4 – Showers and Sinks
It’s pretty common for water to splash out of showers, but you must be careful to make sure that you fix any leaks. The same goes for sinks; just make sure that they are fixed properly so that water doesn’t leak out.
To do this, you need to check them regularly for any signs of discoloration or mold. If you see anything, you need to replace the faucets, the pipes, or both. If a leak is bad enough, you might have to completely replace the shower, the tap, or the sink.
#5 – Water Heater
Water heaters are another common source of water damage. Often, water heaters can leak, but they can also get damaged if they are too old. If you notice that the water heater is cracked, you need to get it replaced. That’s because it might cause the water to leak out, which can be very unsafe.
You can also check your water heater for any signs of rust. A rust-free water heater is a sign that it’s not leaking, but a rusting one is a sign that it needs to be replaced.
#6 – Refrigerators and Freezers
A leaking refrigerator or freezer can cause frost to build inside, which might cause ice to form in some areas. That, in turn, will cause the freezer to leak out all of its contents. When that happens, you’ll have to clean up the mess, which can be a lot of work.
#7 – Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are part of your drainage system, but you need to ensure they work properly. You should check them to ensure that they are working. You can quickly tell if they don’t work when they start to leak.
You also need to check the drainage system as a whole. If you notice that there is water in the basement and it’s full of puddles, your drainage is not working as it’s supposed to.
Conclusion
Water damage isn’t something to take lightly. A small leak can cause a lot of damage, and if you don’t catch it, you can end up with a damaged home beyond repair. That’s why it’s a good idea to take precautions and check for signs of water damage as often as possible.
Restoration Solutions provides top-quality services for water damage restoration in Coppell, TX. We understand that water damage issues can happen at any time, so our services are available 24/7 to ensure that your home won’t suffer. Reach out today to get a free quote!
