One of the best ways to look after your home is to get into the preventive mindset. But it’s not always so easy if we’re not particularly skilled at DIY. Water leaks are one of the most common problems in the home and can cause substantial damage if you don’t address the underlying cause. Most of the time, leaks come from the inside rather than the outside. So let’s show you some common ways a leak can enter your home.
Washing Machine
If you have a laundry room in the basement or any part of your home, your washing machine is one of the most likely culprits. Most washing machine leaks start with a ruptured supply hose, and over time, this little hose made of polymer or black rubber becomes prone to failure. If you get into the habit of inspecting the hose for any signs of cracking or abrasion, as well as checking behind the washer for any wet spots in the walls, this can get you ahead of the game. The fact is that it can be a difficult thing to spot, especially if your laundry room is in the basement. While having a basement waterproofing contractor can help to minimize damage in the basement, it’s always a good idea to make sure that your washing machine is in good condition as well.
Toilet
Toilet leaks usually come from the tank or water supply. When the pipes are running behind the walls and they begin to leak or burst, it’s going to moisten the drywall which will then result in wet spots. Checking behind the toilet for any leaks by inspecting the pipes that go from the wall to the toilet is a very simple thing. You should also see if there are any puddles or signs of mold and mildew. If you ever find a puddle around the toilet, turn the water off and inspect the water tank.
Water Heater
The majority of water heating failures occur when the water heater has exceeded its life expectancy. You will notice that the tank begins to rust at this point, and a deteriorating tank usually results in a slow leak. This is where inspecting the water heater on a monthly basis is crucial. To check if the water heater is the main source of a water leak, you can remove the drain pipe and listen out for any hissing sounds.
HVAC Equipment
Moisture is very common around the appliance, but if there’s excess dripping from the condensation pan, this can result in water damage. Check here.
Downspouts and Gutters
This is something that we should all check, especially if we plan on selling the home. Gutters and downspouts contain a lot of dirt, debris, and leaves, resulting in splitting downspouts and causing water to flow over the side, which can seep into the foundation of the property. You need to inspect for any downspout for any signs of “choking” while also looking to see if there are any leaks in the basement. Make sure that any downspout segments are connected so you can drain the water safely from the foundation.
The best thing we can all do is to be more preventative, and as far as water is concerned, this is one of the most headache-inducing problems around the house.
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