Water damage can occur from a leak, plumbing issues or weather-related events. Repairing the damage can range from a quick fix to a large scale restoration but the good news is that most of the time it could have been avoided in the first place. No matter the cause, learn how to keep your home dry with these tips on how to maintain your fixtures and appliances.
1. Appliance Leaks
Malfunctioning appliances and clogs can cause leaks. A dishwasher or washing machine leak can cause water damage to floors and cabinetry which could lead to warped wood or mould growth. The fact is, if there is water where you can see it, there is very likely water where you can't. That's when serious water damage can occur.
If you notice a leak coming from one of your appliances, clean up the water as quickly as possible and have it repaired or replaced.
2. Broken Pipes
If a pipe ruptures in your home, serious water damage can occur. Sometimes, all it takes is a change in water pressure or freezing temperatures to cause pipes to burst. Even a minor dripping leak can lead to substantial water damage over time.
To guard against leaks, inspect your home often for signs of leaking pipes and other signs of water damage. Early moisture detection can prevent more extensive damage down the line. If a pipe does burst, call a professional immediately.
3. Water Overflow
Forgetting to turn off the sink or tub faucet can quickly lead to a major problem. Water overflow caused by sinks or toilets can damage flooring and carpeting, and even break through a downstairs ceiling if ignored long enough. If not completely cleaned up and restored right away, you may also experience permanently damaged wood and mould growth.
Remember to always keep an eye on running faucets. To ensure your toilets don't overflow, know how to turn off the water supply on each toilet at the valve located on the wall.
4. Sewer Backup
Sewer backups are either caused by severe storms or tree roots blocking your home's pipes. In both instances it can lead to dangerous sewage water overflowing in your basement.
To guard against the risk of tree roots blocking your pipes, have an expert clean out your sewer line every other year. While you can't control storms, we recommend installing a backwater valve and contacting your insurance agent to discuss if your policy can protect you against water damage caused by sewer backups.
Even with the best precautions, it can be difficult to guard against all the causes of water damage in the home. If damage does occur because of plumbing leaks or water overflow, call on ServiceMaster Restore to restore your home back to normal. Our experts will analyze your damage and create a comprehensive restoration plan to get your home up and running as soon as possible.