Water damage resulting from leaks is one of the most disastrous events to occur in a home. It can ruin the floors, furniture, and walls. With the exorbitant cost that water damage carries, preventing it from happening ensures your finances are intact. There are many reasons why water damage can occur but most commonly it’s attributed to weather, plumbing, and/ or appliance issues.
If you want to learn how to better protect your property, keep on reading!
What Are the Likely Causes of Water Damage Issues?
Water leaks are the top causes of water damage but even more serious are hidden water leaks. Tracking them down is of prime importance to reduce the negative effects. However, it’s easier said than done. Most of the time, the signs are slow to reveal themselves. A good tip is to engage the services of a plumber to find the source of the leak and resolve the issue.
The following list covers most of the common causes of water damage but isn’t exhaustive. Common causes include:
- Damaged toilets where plumbing is seen to malfunction
- Incidence of water heaters blowing up or malfunctioning
- Supply hoses on washing machines that have exceeded their life expectancy. Normally, they need to be replaced every 8 to 9 years to ensure that they’re free from leaks
- Gutters clogged with dirt and leaves which redirects the flow of water
- Water build-up resulting from equipment damage, clogged pipes, and mineralized deposits
- Presence of busted water pipes that have blockages or leaks
- Frozen pipes that increase the pressure given the expansion of water inside
- Corrosion happening inside the pipes can create leaks inside faucets and water valves
- Invasive tree roots that can damage water supply lines
- Pressure coming from obstructed appliances and garbage disposal
- Failure of PEX and CPVC plastic pipes
- Existence of harsh chemicals, potable water, and unsuitable installation of the pipe
- Incidence of rodents biting off the PEX
- Sewage backups arising from severe rainstorms and floods
How to Spot Signs of Water Damage
Although damages might not always be obvious to the naked eye there are several ways to spot potential issues. These are signs indicative of water damage:
- The appearance of mold or smell of mildew in the bathroom and kitchen despite the regular cleaning sessions
- Ceilings that display stains can be due to water leaks on floors or walls
- Cracks in walls and the formation of bubbles on the wall paint
- Discovering water pools on your floor and wood floor cupping
- Seeing dry rot in wooden elements of the property
- A higher than regular water bill fee
How to Prevent Water Damage?
Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of water damage. You can reduce the possibility of water damage by setting up safeguards in your rental properties. Here are great ways to do it:
Inspect the Gutters
Gutters must be cleaned and maintained regularly. A good rule of thumb would be after a rainstorm and at the end of each season. To ensure that the gutters filter the incoming debris, you must take time to get rid of the blockages.
The gutters’ angle must also be positioned downwards. This drains the water away from the structure instead of gathering and releasing it onto the foundation.
Examine the Downspouts
Make sure that your gutter’s downspouts are extended and positioned away from the property. Drainage is crucial and the water must be prevented from gathering around the property. If the downspouts are installed properly, flooding issues are avoided. Inspect if there are damages on the downspout so you can have it fixed or replaced right away.
Grade the Yard
The grading of the property must be examined. When there’s heavy rain, the volume of water rises quickly on the level ground. This can expose your property to increasing risks. Ideally, buildings should be designed with a sloping lot to drain the water effectively.
Investigate the Outside Drains
It’s essential to check the drains outside, especially the ones located close to your doors. Debris must be cleared to limit flooding issues.
Inspect Your Roof
It’s vital to conduct roof inspections to facilitate repairs or replacements when you discover missing shingles. Water should not find its way in through any roof leaks as this can increase the risk of water damage in your home.
Correctly Seal the Windows
Observe your windows and if you find any cracks. Should you find any have them repaired right away.
Check that Your Sump Pump is Functional
To get rid of water from basements, a sump pump is installed. It can perceive changes in water levels or pressure. You must ensure that the sump pump is in working order. If damages are present, it can increase the moisture of the basement and lead to unwanted effects such as mold growth.
Probe the Walls for Cracks
Cracks in the walls of your property open the opportunity for water damage by seeping into the foundation. This can render the building unsafe.
Inspect Perimeter Walls and Drains if Flooding Occurred
Contact a foundation expert when water gathers on your exterior walls. This can indicate a structural issue and must be repaired immediately. Walls must be properly sealed.
Remove Cooking Fats the Right Way
Improper disposal of cooking oil can lead to clogged pipes. Cooking oils turn into solid matter after a cooling-off period. It’s advisable to pack them tightly and throw them in the trash bins instead of washing them down drains.
Remove Blockages from Your Floor Drains
Clear floor drains from the accumulation of dirt and hair. Schedule regular cleaning to prevent the costly effect of water damage inside your property.
Bottom Line
Reducing risks is better than spending a lot on fixing the damage brought about by water issues. With these tips, you’ll be better equipped to protect your property. However, if you’re a long-distance landlord, it might be best to engage the services of a property management company to ensure your property is protected.
If you would like help managing your rental properties, contact the team at T-Square Properties today!
Disclaimer: This blog article is for informational purposes. The information contained in this blog article may not be the official policies of T-Square Properties.