Water damage is one of the most dreaded problems for any homeowner. Not only does it cause considerable damage to your home, but it also poses a health hazard when mold grows. Here are the 6 most common places for water damage to occur.
Bathrooms are Common Places for Water Damage
Bathrooms have several water sources with the potential to leak. There are also more plumbing pipes behind the walls in the bathroom than in any other room. Because of this, the bathroom is one of the most common places for water damage to occur. Some ways to prevent water damage in the bathroom are turning on ventilation fans when showering, checking and fixing caulk around tubs and showers, and wiping up the floor after it gets wet.
Laundry Room
The laundry room is at risk for water damage if the washer malfunctions, resulting in leaking or flooding. One source of leaking is from the washing machine hoses behind the appliance. These can wear out and develop cracks, which causes them to leak. Check the hoses and make sure they feel smooth and are in good condition. If not, replace them with stainless steel braided hoses, which are sturdier. If you have carpet in the laundry room, it’s a good idea to replace it with a waterproof flooring option like tile or vinyl. This way, if the washer does leak, less water damage and mold will occur.
Attic
A leaking roof is a common source of water damage. Unfortunately, many homeowners aren’t proactive about replacing the roof when it starts to fail, and this usually results in water damage in the attic. If you don’t have an attic, roof leaks will cause rot and water stains in the ceiling, so you might notice it sooner. Schedule annual roof inspections to catch a problem before it causes water damage.
Basement
A leaking basement can be a problem that causes recurring water damage and needs to be addressed. If your basement leaks after a big rainstorm, waterproofing efforts are in order. Seal up holes and cracks where water is getting in. Also, look outside the house while it is raining and see where water is pooling against the foundation instead of draining away from the house. Cleaning the gutters and adjusting the downspouts may rectify the problem. If you struggle with basement flooding, install a sump pump.
Common Places for Water Damage Around Windows
Old or improperly installed windows can result in water leaking through and causing water damage to the walls. This happens when the caulk or sealant around the window isn’t adequately keeping water out.
Behind Walls
When a pipe leaks behind drywall, it can cause water damage that is difficult to notice right away. Considerable damage may happen before there are any visible signs. Pay careful attention to peeling paint, dark spots on walls, and a moldy smell.
Peconic Home Inspections provides home inspection services to Suffolk County and Long Island. Contact us to schedule an appointment.