How To Keep Small Water Leaks From Damaging Your Home

Water leaking into your home is one of the most common ways your home can be seriously damaged. Not all water damage begins with a huge downpour or a dramatically burst pipe. If addressed quickly, small leaks and damage can be repaired without causing major damage to your home.

When small leaks or potential leaks are left unchecked, that’s when costly water damage can happen. As a homeowner, you can learn the signs of potential water damage and help protect your home.

Simple Ways To Prevent Water Damage

Regularly Check For Mold

Mold is an obvious visual sign of water damage. Regularly check your walls, ceilings, crawl spaces, and other home interior surfaces for mold or mildew growth. If you notice spots of mold, that’s a sign that you need to trace the source of the moisture and have it fixed.

You can keep mold from growing by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep your home’s humidity levels around 50%. Be sure to dry any wet surfaces and spills within 24 hours and avoid using carpeting in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and crawl spaces.

Get a free mold removal inspection

Check Appliance Hoses

Most experts recommend checking the hoses that lead to your fridge, washing machine, and dishwasher every year to make sure there aren’t any leaks or cracks. Plan to replace all appliance hoses every 5-7 years.

Seal Your Showers And Bathtubs

Caulk is inexpensive and an easy fix if you notice the seals around your tub and shower are deteriorating. This is key to prevent water from seeping into your floor and drywall.

Install Water Leak Alarms

These alarms work similarly to smoke detectors. When water leaks are detected in an area of your home, the alarm is triggered. There are even options that can be connected to your smartphone or home’s alarm system. 

These detectors can be purchased online through retailers like Amazon or at your local hardware store.

Regularly Clean Your Gutters & Downspouts

We’ve talked about how important it is to keep your gutters clear, especially as the seasons change. If your gutters and downspouts are clogged, water will run toward your house and damage the foundation. It can also cause roof leaks as debris keeps your gutters from working the way they should.

Know How To Access Your Water Main

Make sure you know where your water main shutoff valve is located! If a pipe bursts or there is a plumbing emergency, turning off the water main is the first thing you should do to control the flow of water into your home.

Address Small Water Leaks Immediately

If you notice signs of a water leak anywhere in your home, check it right away. Ignoring signs of moisture in your home can cause mold, dry rot, and eventual structural damage to your home.

Call Lake City Restoration For Water Damage Detection & Repair

Lake City Restoration’s expert technicians have seen nearly every way a home or business can incur damage from water. We use the latest technology to discover the source of your water damage when it isn’t immediately obvious and take immediate action.

Our goal is always to minimize the disruption to your home or business as we properly repair the damage water has caused. We’re available 24/7 for emergencies, so call today!