Spots in Your Home That Moisture Can Hide | SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton
1/2/2024 (Permalink)
We rely on a lot of water in our daily lives. How many loads of laundry have you done today, and how many times have you washed dishes? Whether it is running in one of our appliances inside or hosing down the dog outside, being able to quickly access and use water any time we want is a blessing.
A blessing…until there is too much of it in all the wrong places. Whether Mother Nature has left our homes wet after a heavy rain or a crack in a pipe leads to a flood inside our homes, water can cause utter chaos when things get out of control.
Fortunately, you can take some steps around your home to keep things dry and safe and ensure water stays where it is supposed. Learning the most common spots where water can hide out is the best way to prevent potential damage.
Sinks are one of the biggest spots where hidden leaks happen. With so many different water lines, connection points and what is probably too many cleaning products stored under them, you need to get in the habit of checking under your sinks at least once a week in order to stay ahead of problems.
Feel water lines for moisture, and make sure all the connections are tight. Check the seals to ensure they are fully intact, and replace anything that is showing signs of aging. Leaks under the sink can run into cabinets and under the floor even if the hole is the size of a pinhead. Catch problems fast to avoid costly repairs.
Appliances can be another problem area when it comes to water leaks that are hard to find. As long as they appear to be functioning correctly, we likely don’t think about how much water passes in and out of them on a regular basis. Dishwashers, water heaters, refrigerators and washing machines are all susceptible to leaks.
Pull your large appliances away from the wall every few months, and give the wall and floor around them a good cleaning. Look for mold growth, puddles or soft spots in the floor that are indicators of a leak. Feel along water lines you can reach. The faster you are able to identify a problem, the less damage you will have.
One of the dangers of hidden leaks is that they can seep into any tiny crack or opening, and they often lead to water damage behind your walls or under your floors. Even when you locate a leak and correct it, you could still have moisture that crept into the wrong places.
Don’t ignore musty odors, especially if you have recently located a leak inside your house. A new squeak in your floorboards near appliances or sinks is another indicator that something is wrong.
Have you ever woken up and found your windows all fogged up? Condensation on your windowpanes is common when the weather fluctuates in temperature, but it can also lead to water damage. When condensation lingers, it can work its way into cracks or openings and cause damage to the structure of your home.
Run your hands along window panes and ledges. Check the seal on your doors as well to see if there is moisture there when it shouldn’t be wet. Seals wear out over time, so make sure you are checking them regularly. The change of the seasons is a great time to ensure your home is well-sealed.
If you do find water damage in your home, the best thing you can do is stay calm and call us at SERVPRO®. We can take your call the moment you need us, and we always have a crew ready to start your restoration right away. It doesn’t matter if you are dealing with a flooded basement or damage left behind from a drippy faucet. We’ve got you covered.
Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO for a quick restoration.