A household has lots of uses for water—from the kitchen to the bathroom, and even in the yard, a home will not function properly without access to it. Water is a productive force; it helps nourish by keeping us hydrated, it is an ingredient in many meals, and it helps us stay clean.
Water, however, can also be a destructive force. It can cause damage to homes during a heavy downpour, but also in more subtle ways. Water can wear a home down from the inside. Water damage can cause leaks, mold, algae, and other forms of disrepair that can lead to health problems in the home. In this article, we discuss indicators of water damage, as well as the common places where water leaks occur in a home.
Water accumulation
Water accumulation happens when water pools in an area it is not meant to be in, such as the floor of the kitchen or around a faucet. Accumulation is a sign of malfunctioning pipes or appliances. If you see pools of water around appliances, you must consult a specialist immediately. Letting your appliances accumulate water puts you at risk for electrical shocks.
Discoloration and warping
Walls with water damage often display discoloration and texture change. While the effects are largely aesthetic, water damage on structures can cause the growth of molds and spores. When left untreated for a long period of time, this can also cause the structure itself to break down. To prevent water damage, you must incorporate regular checkups on your appliances and pipes.
1. Check often – near kitchen appliances
Dishwashers cause water damage in two ways. The first is when it backs up and overflows through the door. It happens largely because of improper settings on the machine. The dishwasher is one of the most frequently used appliances at home, which means it is prone to breaking down. This appliance also leaks water because of loose connections in the hose.
Another kitchen appliance that might cause water damage is the refrigerator. This is especially true if your fridge contains an icemaker. For models with icemakers, a plastic or copper hose runs from the unit to the plumbing. It is another place that can trap condensation and cause leaks.
2. Check often – bathroom and kitchen sinks
Sinks are designed for heavy use, but that does not mean they are impervious to wear and tear. The components of a sink, such as a drain and fixtures, should always be checked for leaks or rusting. Leaking drains will pour water unto the counter under the base, and loose fixtures usually leak water through the base of the spout or the handles.
It is easy enough to replace parts of sinks, such as P traps and faucets. There are plenty of DIY instructions for sinks online. However, if you need to replace the entire unit, including the counter and the bowl, you must contact a professional.
3. Check once in a while – under the house
Getting a plumber to check the pipe channels under your house is a necessity. A plumbing system may look complicated to someone who does not know what they are looking at. Even if you are knowledgable in pipes and plumbing, a specialist will be better equipped to deal with any issues that you might discover.
Enlist the help of a technician for occasional checkups on your plumbing. If you get a good specialist, you would not need to do much more than these checkups.
Conclusion
Water damage is easily preventable. You just need to incorporate checkups of pipes and appliances in your routine, as well as surveying your walls for signs of damage. Once you see irregularities, it is best to contact a plumber or a specialist.
We are committed to providing quality workmanship and outstanding customer service in the Greater Indianapolis area. If you’re looking for water damage restoration services in Greenwood IN, get in touch with us to see how we can help. We’re happy to help.
