Water damage to a home is a nightmare scenario for any property owner. Storms, heavy rain, faulty surface drainage, sewage backup, and blocked gutters are major causes of water damage. However, there is another prevalent cause of water damage in most homes.
Several different things, including burst pipes and broken appliances, can cause water damage to a home. It would have been possible to avoid these if the homeowner had been more vigilant about maintaining the property.
Many different factors can cause water damage. A leaky roof or burst pipe can lead to water damage. A malfunctioning appliance or plumbing system can cause water damage.
If your home has suffered water damage, it’s wise to know what steps to take next. Immediately contact a professional water restoration company. They will assess the situation and provide you with a free estimate of how much time and money it would cost to repair the damage.
You should also check the electrical wiring and plumbing systems to ensure everything is functioning properly. If anything seems wrong, contact a professional immediately.
Maintaining Your Home to Avoid Water Damage
As previously mentioned, it is possible to prevent water damage if the property is regularly inspected for signs of damage and maintenance work is completed on time. When water damage occurs, you must deal not only with property damage but also with insurance claims.
It’s the kind of thing that most people would rather not do. Insurance companies aren’t happy when you need to file a claim. It’s always preferable to take precautions to ensure no harm comes to your property in the first place. The first stage is to assess and identify potential risk factors such as home appliances and ruptured pipes.
Check for leaks in your sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
Sinks, showers, and bathtubs are the most frequently used water sources. Therefore, you should inspect the area every few months with a simple flashlight if you discover any leaks, cracks, or rust. Cracks, mould growth, and a few droplets developing near pipes or under appliances are not unusual. These are all symptoms that water is leaking.
Repairing a cracked sink or shower is easy by replacing the damaged part. But if the crack runs through the wall, you’ll need to replace the entire fixture.
Leaks in pipes and drains are usually easy to spot. However, they’re often difficult to locate because they tend to occur behind walls or under floors. Use a flashlight to look for dripping water or wet spots around the house to find them.
Leaks in toilets and washing machines are less common than in other fixtures. They can still cause flooding in your basement. A washing machine can result in a flooded kitchen.
Flooding Caused by Faulty Dishwashers and Washers
Washing machines and dishwashers get a lot of use and are subject to stress. As a result, regular inspection of these two appliances is critical. It is preferable to use metal mesh hoses rather than standard plastic hoses. Additionally, these should be replaced at least every three years.
If you notice any signs of leakage, report it to an appliance service technician immediately. It will prevent further damage and save you money in the long run.
Faulty Hot Water Tanks Can Cause Property Damage
In hot water tanks, rust and cracks are prevalent. And if they are not addressed for an extended length of time, they can result in leakage. The silt in the water eventually settles at the bottom, leading to cracks and leaks over time. Examine the area around the water heater for any evidence of leaks. In addition, have an expert come in every five years to perform checks.
Air conditioners and refrigerators cause water damage.
Leaks from your air conditioner and refrigerator can cause water damage if ignored or not regularly examined. Make sure the pipes and hoses are not damaged when cleaning this equipment. Check for kinks and cracks as well. Again, having an expert perform these inspections regularly is the most effective way to avoid damage caused by broken pipes or faulty appliances.
For Home Water Damage Cleanup, Contact Reztor Restoration.
If you hire a professional, ensure they are licensed and insured. This way, you won’t have to worry about paying out-of-pocket expenses. You can also ask them about their experience working with other clients who have experienced similar problems.
Once you have hired a professional, they will dry out the affected areas. They will use dehumidifiers, fans, blowers, and air movers to remove excess moisture from the area. Once complete, they will seal up all the cracks and crevices that allow water into the structure.
Aside from the previously mentioned points, make sure you turn off the mains if you go away for a week or even a few days.
To avoid being entirely caught off guard by a leak, you should get a leak detection system set up. The first crucial thing to do if your home suffers water damage is to turn off the water and electricity. If the amount of water damage to your home is small and you’re comfortable fixing it yourself, that’s fantastic. All that needs to be done is dry off the affected area, fix whatever caused the water to get there, and restore the damage. But if the damage is severe, it’s better to get in touch with an expert from Reztor Restoration for professional water restoration services.
