Stopping Water Damage at Home Before It Starts

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of Lowell team if you are dealing with any water damage.

When it comes to water in your home, gravity and pressure can be a volatile combination. Together, they mean that not only is the water in every pipe and hose always looking for somewhere else to go, but also that it’s exerting force on every connection and passageway to try to get out.

Much of a homeowner’s experience with water damage happens from events that you’ll never see coming. But there are a few places that, if kept in check, you might be able to prevent some leaks and damage before they begin.

Toilets. Most of your toilet is very solid, and leaks through cracks are very rare. But the rubber pieces (the flapper and valve seal) are your most likely source of leaks.

Appliances. Anything that uses a supply hose to send or transfer water—toilets, refrigerators and especially washing machines—are prone to develop leaks in the hoses and potentially in other places as well. Dishwashers may leak through the door, for example, if seals wear down. Oh, and when’s the last time you thought about the age of your water heater? Tank heaters over 10 years old run the risk of exploding.

Clogged gutters. Now here’s a leak you can almost surely prevent. A little time on the ladder a couple of times a year can make all the difference when it comes to keeping leaves, dirt and debris from forming a dam inside your gutters and damaging your roof. Speaking of which…

Roof damage. Inspect your roof from the ground regularly, and you may notice signs of wear before they become a real problem. Look for cracked or bowed shingles, damaged flashing or mortar around the chimney. You may also catch areas of mold or pooling that require care as well.

Pipes. Metal pipes can burst because of oxidation or excessive water pressure, and any pipe can overwhelm a loose-fitted joint. In your front yard, you may even have to deal with tree roots, which can intrude upon pipes and choke out your water supply—this one takes some real sleuthing to figure out.

Blocked garbage disposals or other pipes. Anything that clumps together (eggshells, coffee grounds), solidifies (grease or animal fat), or soaks up water and expands (pasta or rice) can cause disposal problems and backups.

Water damage can happen anywhere water is flowing, but with a little time and maintenance, you may be able to keep it flowing only where it’s supposed to.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.