Water damage is one of the primary concerns for any homeowner, threatening furniture and spreading mold spores across your home, as well as potentially leading to structural collapses and even structural failures.
As the best way to prevent home water damage, monitoring your plumbing system for leaks is the surest way. Listen out for dripping sounds or cracks in walls or ceilings – these could all indicate leaks! Also, learn the answer to this question: Is water damage covered warranty?
Best way to Prevent Home Water Damage
Leaks
Leaky pipes not only waste water, but can lead to serious flooding issues for any home. Therefore, it is wise to be on the lookout for early signs of water leakage and have it fixed immediately.
One simple way of spotting leaks is to examine your water meter reading. Shut off all faucets before inspecting it; if its reading shows an increase, there may be a leak somewhere within the home.
Signs that indicate the presence of a water leak include discolored walls and bubbling paint or wallpaper, along with hearing a dripping sound from below.
Leaks can lead to mold and mildew growth, rotting wood and foundation issues in a home, as well as immediate health complications in those with compromised immune systems. If left untreated, this problem can cost a homeowner both in money and time for correction – not to mention being unsafe if water damage affects their breaker box or electrical outlets.
Mold
Within 24 hours of water damage, mildew and mold will begin to grow on wood structures, while their surface wood may swell and warp as wood rots; furniture may rot while metal surfaces rust; these issues, along with biohazard contaminants released from them can lead to serious health complications for affected individuals.
If you take immediate steps to remove waterlogged items and dry the affected area, you may be able to halt some mold growth. However, mold spores will still continue to flourish anywhere moisture remains unchecked, such as heating/cooling ducts.
If you notice green, gray, or black specks on tiles or walls; dark water stains in carpeting, fabrics and upholstery; damp spots that won’t dry; these could all be indicators of mold growth. Mold releases mycotoxins that can harm human health and the best way to minimize mycotoxins exposure is reducing home humidity by fixing plumbing leaks promptly; using ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms as well as dehumidifiers (see our list for options) for indoor moisture control; alternatively you could purchase dehumidifiers (see list for options).
Sewage
Sewage is a harmful substance, harboring deadly bacteria and chemicals. If it enters your home, call professionals immediately; they can safely remove sewage water while also cleaning up thoroughly before anyone reenters it.
A common cause of sewage leaks is damaged or blocked pipes, usually as the result of drain clogs or main sewer clogs, or broken sump pumps.
Tree roots can also contribute to sewage back up issues. When they grow too closely to a pipe and break it, tree roots can hit it and lead to backup of waste water into your house causing extensive damage and necessitating professional intervention immediately to clean up and ensure it doesn’t happen again. It is also essential that any contact between yourself and sewage (even indirectly) be prevented as sewage contains diseases like E coli and Hepatitis A that pose serious threats to health if inhaled directly or indirectly by humans – avoidance is key!
can reduce this risk significantly.