Common Sources of Home Water Damage | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of North Fort Worth team if you are dealing with any water damage.

Dealing with water damage probably isn’t on your dream to-do list for today, but unfortunately, we don’t often get advanced notice that we’re going to need to take care of it. With water constantly running in and out of your house, though, there’s a fair chance you’re going to come up against leaks and potential damage eventually.

Let’s look at a few potential problem areas, because if you know where to look, you may be able to prevent some leaks or catch them in their infancy.

Toilets. This oft-used apparatus is structurally solid, but the rubber parts used to seal the holes may wear over time. Check your flapper if water is running into the tank, and check the valve seal under the tank if it’s dripping into the floor.

Appliances. Anything that uses hoses, joints or pipes is a prime candidate for eventual leakage. Washing machines in particular are known for wearing out their supply hoses, so replace that every few years as a matter of course. And when did you install your water heater? Old units are prone not only to leaks, but dangerous and destructive explosions.

Clogged gutters. Gutter backups are highly preventable. Even though it might feel like a hassle to get up on the ladder and clear them out, we promise it’s less of a pain than having to deal with water damage down your walls or dry rot in your attic.

Roof damage. While you’re on that ladder, you can also take a look at your shingles, and you may be able to catch signs of wear before they become an issue. Visually inspect a couple of times each year and after any major storm.

Pipes. Many Texans learned about the danger of frozen pipes in February 2021, and of course, age and oxidation can cause pipes to fail as well. You may even have to deal with tree roots encroaching on your main water line, choking out your water supply or sending it wastefully into the yard. If one section of your yard has particularly green grass, that could be a clue.

Blocked garbage disposals or other pipes. Some foods break apart in the disposal and stick or clump together, creatine an impassable blockage in your drainpipe. Others can soak up great amounts of water or harden and cause problems further down the line. Both may require heavy plunging, which can add unnecessary pressure to the joints of your p-trap.

All running water presents a risk for leaks and damage, but a little care and maintenance may lessen the odds that you’ll have to deal with a major spill at home.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.