One of the most common and costly misfortunes your home may face is damage sustained from a water leak. In fact, about 37% of US-based homeowners claim to have suffered losses from water-related damages — this according to a report made by Water Damage Defense. In addition, the average cost of a home water damage insurance claim is around $6,965.
But you’re not powerless and you don’t have to suffer these consequences when you do water leak detection earlier and regularly.
First, let’s discuss the usual causes of water damage such as:
- Leaky or damaged pipes
- Malfunctioning washing machines and dishwashers
- Roof damage, like cracked flashing or missing shingles
- Drainage or irrigation problems on your property
- Problems with your HVAC system
- Flood, severe storms, and other extreme weather conditions
What are the signs to look for when doing water leak detections?
Water leaks are oftentimes difficult to catch, especially when it started in your pipe system or underground — these leaks can be easy to miss unless it becomes a huge problem. Here are the common signs of water leaks in your home:
- Discoloration and sagging parts on your walls and ceilings
- An odd smell which is a sign of mold and mildew build-up
- Warping on your flooring
- Water pooling on your yard after a strong rain or storm
Here are some effective tips and water leak detection to protect your home from damages:
1. Make a roof inspection
Your roof is constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions and it would eventually begin to deteriorate, and when it does water leaks can develop without you noticing. However, you can prevent the probable damages this scenario can bring if you regularly inspect your roof, especially after huge storms. You can also stay ahead if you immediately replace your roof when needed.
2. Upgrade old and malfunctioning appliances
Upgrading your old and malfunctioning appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher is not energy-saving. When appliances such as this are old, their valves are not as efficient which can lead to water leak problems. Doing this can help you conserve water — new washing machines can use up to 75% less water compared to old ones.
3. Check your pipes for water leakage
It is wise to check all your pipes in your home once a year because, over time, pipes eventually corrode, decay, and rust which can result in water leaks. You could be facing extensive and expensive repairs if you won’t detect these leaks ahead of time. In addition, you should also look closely for leaks and cracks, if there are any, make necessary repairs immediately.
4. Check and test your Sump Pump
Keep in mind that the sump pump is your first line of defense against basement flooding because they are used for pumping water that got stored in a sump basin away from your home to a dry well or municipal storm drain system.
To check and test your sump pump:
- You should locate the exit pipe on the exterior of your home where the sump pump directs water out of your basement. Check if there are damages on the pipe and remove clogs if there are any.
- Now, locate your sump pump in your basement and check if the electrical cords are securely plugged into a functioning outlet.
- Then, remove the sump pump’s lid (if it has any) and clean out any debris.
- Slowly pour about 5 gallons of water into the basin of your sump pump until it turns on and begins pumping out water.
Water leak damage is the major cause of home damage and the repair cost will vary — there are some things you need to take into account such as the size of the affected area and the needed materials to replace or restore what’s been damaged.
But with all this information about water leak detection, you won’t really have to worry about dealing with serious repairs and you can keep your home protected.
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My cousin has noticed that her water bill spiked last week, but she isn’t sure why. Getting a professional to inspect her home, and spot any leaks or damage could be really useful. I liked what you said about how water damage can come from damage to the pipes, rood, drainage, storms, floods, and problems with the HAVC.
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I’m glad you mentioned it’s important to regularly check your home’s pump to avoid water damage. My wife and I will be leaving our home for a few months, and we want to make sure we leave everything in order to avoid any complications. We’re worried about water damage because our house is likely to get flooded easily, so we think it’ll be better to call a professional to help us. Thanks for the information about how you can prevent water damage in your home.
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Thanks for pointing out that the sump pump is one of the first lines of defense against basement flooding, so we need to ensure that they are working fine. I will call professionals that I can trust and get them checked before moving into our newly bought home this year. I hope that we can get the right contractors so that we can have peace of mind since we already have spent a lot on our home.
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Keep up the great work! Thank you so much for sharing great posts.
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Before you dive into water damage restoration, look at the water is coming from. Light damage could be handled by the homeowner, but significant damage can be hazardous and dangerous to repair without the help of a professional.
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Thanks for helping me understand that water leak is the major cause of water damage in a house and costs will actually vary to repair it. I guess I need to ask and compare various water damage restoration services near us as soon as possible. It’s after finding out about the leak in the basement which has already made a mark on some parts of the wall and floor.
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That odd smell from mold and mildew build up is for real. I personally know a lot of people who have been neglecting that smell in their basement only to find out how big the problem is. So if you do smell that, tidy up the place so you get a better idea where the smell is coming from. This can save you hundreds of dollars if you find the leak in time. Prevention is always better than the cure.
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Thanks for the info about water damage. I am dealing with a water leak in my home. I’ll look for a plumber who can help me out.
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Repairing a leaky roof can be difficult, but this website can help. I eagerly await your next entry!
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Thank you for explaining that you should check your pipes for water leaks once a year. I’ve been wondering how we can avoid having leaks in our home. I never thought to do something like this, but I think we can add it into our house’s maintenance.
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The key to stopping mold and mildew is controlling dampness. The worst infestations usually occur in damp crawlspaces, in attics and walls where water has leaked in from the outside, and in basements with poor foundation drainage. Stopping leaks, ensuring good ventilation in attics, keeping crawlspaces dry and routing water away from the foundation are the best defenses.
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This is very informative! Thank you for sharing this article with us.
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Nice post
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Thank you for pointing out that water leaks can be tricky to find, especially if they originate underground or in your piping system. These leaks might be overlooked until they cause major damage. According to my sister, a recent downpour caused damage and leaks in her home. I’ll advise her to hire a water damage restoration specialist.