12 Places to Look for Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage is the most common issue faced across most households. If water drips continuously, it may start damaging the surface or become a home to algae and fungus. 

It is advisable to inspect with the plumber across the house after a specific period. This will keep you assured that all things are in place.

Individuals cannot claim some damages and reasons under insurance, which would lead to high personal costs. There are water restoration services that help you get rid of the issues in their initial days.

This article will inform you of places you should look regularly for water damages. Precaution is always better than cure, as nowadays the cure has become too expensive for the pockets.

Be cognizant of every issue in the house and call the professionals to get them fixed.

 

Where to Spot Water Damage in Your House

Let’s get to the corners that we ignored all these while.

 

1. Exterior Doors

There is a high possibility of moisture accumulating on the exterior part of the house. Usually, the dewdrops start affecting wooden doors and windows. You will see a bubble forming on the surface between the sunmica and wood.

The moisture will eventually start acting on the wood's character, which will result in the peeling of the sunmica and door getting weak. The damage will be a slow process. But if rectified at the right time, you’d save yourself from a considerable expense.

Similarly, it also hollows up the window frame, which breaks easily at a push or a tiny force of an object.

 

2. Around the Bathtub or in the Bathroom

This is one of the most common water damage places. As the water surrounds the area, it eventually damages the wall.

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When you take a hot shower, steam is created due to the closed environment. And with no place to go, it settles on the bathroom wall over time, resulting in mold.

The mold is initially not visible to the naked eye. Later on, it starts changing its color from green to black, making it evident between the tiles.

 

3. Lower Part of the Toilet

We tend to clean the toilet from the above and visible areas to the eye, which is not wrong or incomplete. It is advisable to occasionally check the lower part of the toilet to see any leakage or any form of water flow. If there is any, it will cause an unhygienic fungus that will make it look unpleasant.

 

4. Ceiling

If you have a tank built in the house or above the roof, there is a possibility it would start a significant leakage if there were no regular maintenance for the water storage.

It will spread the water through the walls, resulting in cracks in the paint at the lower bottom or the wall's corners. It would get difficult to repair if you don’t control the damage at the right time.

 

5. Accumulated Water

Consider places like the garden or the front of the house where water gets accumulated. The accumulated water will make the road slippery by forming a green patch (i.e., Algae). Walking or driving on such a path will become difficult and dangerous.

 

6. Behind Drywall

Some pipes are hiding behind the wall, making it challenging to figure out a leakage or damage if any is happening. There should be a periodical check for such hidden areas to be sure.

 

7. Under the Sink

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The sink is one of the most used areas of the house, having a continuous run of water from the tap. The pipe that helps to throw the water out must be cleaned or changed occasionally, as it will clog the water and produce a foul smell.

 

8. Windows

Windows are a central source of water leakage. This is because rainwater can easily seep through the windows. The walls beneath the windows can crack or degrade over time. This is why the walls beneath the windows should be checked for any damage. The wooden materials of the windows should also be checked for any damage.

 

9. The Sidings

The corners of the house and the point where two siding panels meet should be checked. Otherwise, the water that enters through the gaps can eventually deteriorate the plywood sheath. The damage cannot be seen until the sidings are changed. It is, therefore, mandatory to keep a check of any water seepage through these gaps.

 

10. Beneath the Dishwasher

There may be ruptures in the water supply pipes or drain line connected to the dishwasher. With time, even a slight leakage can cause severe damage to the floor beneath. The damage cannot be seen until the dishwasher is removed since dishwashers are sealed. Keeping a check will avoid the cost of changing the damaged floor beneath too.

 

11. Near the Washing Machine

The washing machine has different valves for hot and cold water. These valves are fitted in the walls and cannot be seen since they are installed behind the washing machine. Not keeping a check to see if there’s any leakage can damage the wall and lead to mold growth and multiplication.

 

12. Near Window Air Conditioners

Their tube is fitted to the air conditioners through which moisture is removed. Any blockage in the tubes or any tube damage can cause water leakage. This will, in turn, cause the walls to get damaged. If there is any wood material used for the window, it can degrade it too.

 

What to Do

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You must keep an eye on areas that are more prone to water damage. If any damage is found, contact a certified, legal, and professional water restoration service who can do their job efficiently and guide you to take necessary precautions to avoid further damage.

The cost of repairing the damage depends on the extent of the damage and the position of the water restoration company.