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The Many Ways Water May Enter Your Home | SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
1/4/2023 (Permalink)
If you experience any water damage inside your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties.
Water could be seeping into your home largely unnoticed. If you have noticed a musty odor or cracks and stains in the walls, you could have a leak somewhere causing havoc and leading to foundation issues.
Extra moisture can also cause your interior appliances to rust. There are several signs to check for when investigating your home for leaks, but the most obvious one will be puddles on the floor.
Water can do a lot of damage, so the more you know about where it comes from and what to do about it, the safer you can keep your property.
Your water fixtures are a common source of leaks in the home. A hole in the water supply or worn-out caulk around sinks, tubs, showers and toilets can lead to water seepage and wall damage.
Get into the habit of checking around these areas every time you clean. If you catch any signs of water in the wrong places, take care of it right away. A small leak can lead to the loss of thousands of gallons of water each year.
Appliances are another common source of water leaks in the home. Refrigerators with ice makers or other water sources and dishwashers are high-risk appliances for unseen leaks that could lead to floor damages and the need for extensive and costly repairs.
In order to check for a leak with large appliances, unplug them and pull them away from the wall. Check behind and under them for standing water, damp spots or mold growth. Call us right away if you notice any issues to get things taken care of quickly and correctly before damage can get worse.
Not all water damage happens internally of course. External sources can also lead to either a slow leak through windows and doors or a sudden flood in the basement when the weather turns severe.
Living near the Mississippi River will always come with a flood risk. While our levee systems protect from catastrophic flooding, the river and tributaries still overflow. Heavy rains are also a threat in our area that often lead to saturated soils and damp basements.
You can take steps to manage these external leak sources. Prepare your home and keep it well-maintained in order to protect your property and keep water out.
Your first step in protection should be keeping a close eye on gutters, downspouts and your roof. Clean leaves and other debris out of your gutters and away from your downspout in order to prevent overflows that could trickle through your roof, walls and into your foundation.
The seals around your windows and doors are another weak point you should check on a regular basis. Loose or decayed seals allow moisture inside your home that could cause mold growth and other damages.
Additionally, update your landscaping to ensure there is a slope away from your home to keep water flowing in the right directions. Use soil or other organic materials to protect your foundation and prevent excess moisture. When your home is protected, you can rest easy with the knowledge that you are prepared for anything that comes your way.
If you experience water damage inside your home or business, call us, 24⁄7. We have the experience and equipment to get your property back in working order fast.