Water damage might seem like a trivial and common thing every homeowner faces, but you should never take it lightly. Although damp spots on the floor and a couple of leaks might be easy to clean, they can grow into a bigger problem when left unchecked.
For example, imagine walking into your basement to find that the damp spot you wiped clean yesterday is back again. Cleaning the surface doesn’t solve the underlying problem— hidden sources of moisture which could be anything.
When left alone, these sources of moisture can grow into something more troublesome such as water damage and mold growth. These things can affect your home’s safety and comfort.
Your home is your haven. It’s essential to take care of it as much as you can since you have to stay in more often these days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even though there’s no absolute way to eliminate the chances of water damage occurring in your home, there are a few things you can do to decrease the chances of it happening or decrease the damage it can leave behind.
This article will discuss what causes water damage and a few tips you can try to help protect your home from the adverse effects it can leave behind.
The Source of Water Damage
Water damage can occur because of several things. It can be caused by flooding due to weather, drainage issues, leaking pipes, blocked drains, leaking water heaters, or even high humidity. It can also be caused by malfunctioning appliances such as broken washing machines or refrigerators.
The key to getting rid of water damage is to figure out where the source of water is coming from and work on waterproofing your home before things get worse. A mop and bucket won’t be enough to get rid of the problem at hand. So, finding the source of moisture is the first step before you can fix it.
Essential Tips to Prevent Water Damage
The reality is, you can’t predict when a storm is about to happen or when a pipe is about to leak. The good news is that you can catch leaks and damages early on, giving you more time to repair and decrease the damage it leaves behind.
Here are a few tips to follow to help prevent water damage in your home.
1. Inspect your pipes and walls regularly
Make sure to take time to inspect your home, especially your pipes and walls, since they often show obvious signs of damage such as cracks or leaks. Although it might be tedious, spotting inspecting your home regularly can help you reduce the chances of water damage in the future.
2. Update your appliances
Your appliances also experience wear and tear throughout the years. Appliances that need water to function, such as washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and the likes, can flood if broken. Not repairing them and getting them updated can cause safety problems and water damage.
So, regularly check on your appliances for any signs of damage. This can be in the form of leaks or not operating correctly. If you are unsure, unplug it in the meantime until you can get it repaired or replaced.
3. Look for signs
Another tip you can follow is to be on the lookout for any signs of moisture, such as musty smells, stains on ceilings or walls, or even noises from dripping water. Musty smells usually signify mold growth, stains on ceilings or walls can be due to water seeping into rooms, and sounds of water dripping can mean leaking pipes or faucets.
Another sign you can look for is patches of water on carpets or crumbling wood. Looking for these signs might be hard to learn, but over time it can help you significantly decrease the chances for water damage in your home.
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4. Keep your house cool and dry.
Lastly, since humidity plays a massive role in water damage, it’s essential to keep your home cool and dry. If you live in a relatively humid area, consider installing an air conditioner in areas such as basements and consider using a dehumidifier to battle humidity.
Also, don’t forget to keep your bathrooms and kitchen clean and dry to prevent unwanted mold growth. Bathrooms and kitchens are prone to water damage and mold growth due to their high humidity.
If these areas tend to be more moist and you’d like a permanent solution, consider transforming your floors to concrete since they are easier to clean and aren’t prone to stains.
Wrapping Up
Water damage is a problem no homeowner wants to deal with. It’s more than just leaky pipes and damp spots on the floor. It can bring issues such as mold growth and leave irreparable damage if left untreated.
The primary key to preventing water damage lies in getting rid of the source of moisture. With time and practice, you can spot signs of water damage early on and reduce the chances of damaging your home in the long run.
It’s highly important to take care of your home and keep it safe from danger. Disasters such as floods or fires can happen anytime. So, investing in waterproofing and fireproofing your home is a great way to reduce the damages caused by fires or sources of water.