Water damage in a home doesn't have to be the consequence of a flood. The continuous presence of moisture due to inconspicuous leaks, drippy faucets, corroded seals, and plain ill-maintenance are all factors that lead to the structural damage of a home.
A dry home always lasts longer than a humid one. A moisture-rich environment will lead to rotting of structural foundations, termites, and the growth and spreading of molds. To avoid water damage in your home, regularly maintain and check these areas for any signs of dripping, leaking, or moisture build-up:
Kitchen
Water traffic in the kitchen is high. Clean water flows from the faucet and runs down the drain. Underneath the floors or behind the kitchen walls are water pipes leading to the sinks, and drainage going down to the sump pit. Aside from this, there are also heavy appliances that can leak or hide liquid beneath such as the refrigerator dishwasher, and the stove. Any of these are potential water damage sources.
Bathroom
Another area of the house where water frequents is the bathroom. There are four main sources of water in the bathroom: the toilet, the sink, the shower, and the bathtub. Like the kitchen, there are water and drainage pipes behind walls and under the bathroom floor.
Because toilet water is contaminated, the toilet is one of the most important areas to check for leaking. Check if the seal that holds the toilet in place needs maintenance. Make sure the toilet still flushes properly.
Basement
The sump pit found beneath the basement is where all drainage from the house is directed to. If the sump pump that drains the sump pit fails, a nasty grey water flood ensues. Since the basement is below ground level, water tends to run through tiny cracks in the basement walls and floors if they haven't been waterproofed with a waterproof sealant.
Attic
If a roof gutter gets blocked by debris, this can cause water to overflow from the gutter, under roof shingles and into the attic walls. Inspect the attic at least once a week especially during heavy rain or snowmelt to make sure this isn't happening to your home. Another thing to inspect is the presence of rodents. The boxes and unused items stored in the attic make an ideal place for vermin. Constant urine and feces will seep through the floors and cause dampness. It also encourages the development of molds and harmful bacteria.
Roof
Damaged shingles in the roof allow water into your home during rain and snow causing water damage. Water stains on the ceiling indicate your roof needs to be repaired - and soon.
Area surrounding your house
The grounds surrounding your house should lead ground water away from your home, not towards your home. If rain caused erosion to change the slope, perhaps it is time to order a new truckload and restructure it back to a safe 2% or more incline.
Trees and various plants absorb groundwater. So why not plant a few or more around, not only are you protecting your home against water damage, but you're helping the environment as well.
Statistics show that one out of three people will experience water damage. Prevent water damage in your own home by being observant and regularly maintaining each and every part of your home.
Kitchen is a real hotspot as far as water damage is concerned. It's important that measures for water damage prevention be taken else it can be quite disastrous. The kitchen is washed and cleaned daily yet the maintenance of the kitchen, its fixtures and appliances isn't really looked at by most homeowners. If there is leakage or excess moisture it will soon create water damage.
The sink and the area around the sink should be checked for drainage and water damage. Remove the trash can and see if there are any leaks. It can be a sign of the drain been clogged or the pipe leaking. Fix the leaks and clogging immediately else you may have water damage problems on your hand. If the pipes are slowly draining out or if there is a leak, this can mean that the pipes are choked or getting clogged. If the walls and the cabinets around the sink are soft or damp, this can mean that the water damage extent has spread to the surrounding walls and cabinets also.
The counter top should be inspected thoroughly, if the tile is missing or grouting is not seen, and then fill in the grouting to prevent the water damage to the counter top from the water leakage especially around the sinks.
Dishwashers can become a source of the water damage
Almost all dishwashers will leak at some point of time given time. For this reason, the dishwashers have great propensity to cause water damage. If the dishwasher isn't clearing out itself after every wash, then the main filter may be clogged. The sink could also overflow due to the dishwasher backup. This can also cause water damage. The base area around the dishwasher should be checked too. If the floor is damp, soft or wet, it indicates that water damage may be caused by the dish washer. Check for the drain pipe. If it's clogged, then clean it out lest it causes further water damage.
Check the hose of the dishwasher under the sink for probable signs of leakage or becoming brittle. In case you find such signs then ensure that you replace the hose immediately else it causes water damage to the kitchen.
The clogged drain can be easily opened by using a drain opener or the numerous products such as dranex. In case the drain is still clogged, call the plumber. Always dry the surfaces after cleaning, else constant water seepage can be cause for water damage.
Refrigerators can also become a source of water damage
Especially the moisture behind the refrigerator can cause water damage. Inspection done periodically will lessen the chances of water damage to the kitchen. If you see mold under the fridge, then clean it out immediately. Fridges that have icemakers should be checked too. Check the hose connection to ensure that it's fixed properly to the water supply line else leakages will cause water damage. Empty the drain pan of the fridge regularly especially during the humid weather.
Both Jacklyn Hartfield & Charmaine Pierce are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jacklyn Hartfield has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Parenting and Home Management. Jacklyn Hartfield is a house issue disaster writer for and. Jacklyn Hartfield's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
Charmaine Pierce has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Sewage and Home Management. Charmaine Pierce shares info on flooding and fire for and. Charmaine Pierce's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.