Lurking Water Damage in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties to find the source.

Water can do a lot of damage in a very small amount of time. Even a little bit of water can result in devastating amounts of damage the longer it is allowed to sit, making hidden water damage particularly dangerous.

When you know how to find water damage, you can stop it before mold and structural issues start, which means you can also avoid needing costly repairs. Get to know some of the most common places water likes to hide out in your home, and make it a habit to check them frequently.

Some of these places include the following:

The roof. With lots of nooks and crannies, finding water leaks on your roof can be a real challenge. If you don’t get on your roof often, try to add checking it after every wind storm and at least once a quarter to your regular home maintenance.

While they often start out very slow, it's crucial to fix even small leak issues quickly. When your roof leaks, it can lead to damage on every level of your home, and it sets your attic up for pretty serious mold growth. Check for wet insulation regularly, and take action when there is excess moisture.

The bathroom. A space where you use so much water (and drip so much water) should come as no surprise as being a common spot for water damage. Leaks can still hide out in the bathroom, however, which means you need to look for problems regularly to prevent damage.

Look under your sink for puddles or damp walls, and make sure the sink faucet and tub faucet aren’t dripping. Feel around the base of the toilet weekly for water drips, and make sure your bathroom is drying completely out even after the steamiest shower.

Excess moisture or slow-running drains in the bathroom are another indicator of a hidden issue that could lead to mold and other damages.

Large appliances. If an appliance uses water, that appliance can leak. Leaky appliances can be especially challenging to discover, as the leak often originates underneath or behind the appliance.

Pull large appliances like your washing machine, dishwasher and refrigerator out away from the wall at least twice a year. Clean under them and check for soft spots in the floor, standing water or mold growth. These are all indicators that there is a problem with the water line.

Check for issues while you are using these appliances too. Listen for dripping noises, or take note of unexplained water drops on the floor. Every appliance has a different lifespan, but it is a good rule of thumb to replace anything that is more than 10 years old. This is a great way to stop problems before they ever start, as well as ensure your home has the safest items in it.

Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!