Water Damage Lurking in Your House | SERVPRO® of East Brownsville & South Padre Island

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island to find the source.

Water is a crucial part of our lives, but when it sneaks into the wrong places, it can create complete chaos. Water damage can become devastating quickly, especially when it starts in hidden places. It isn’t just the water you have to worry about, but over time, you could also end up with mold growth.

If you get to know where water is most likely to hide in your home you can take steps to prevent it, or at least stop it quickly to prevent extensive damages. Get to know a few key areas in your home, and start maintaining them regularly to avoid costly repairs later.

The roof. Your roof is a particularly tricky area when it comes to water damage. With lots of small spaces for water to hide, damage can settle into every floor of your home.

Use our Texas weather to your advantage and take an early warm day to check your roof each spring. You should also try and check it after any strong windstorm, and before a predicted hurricane.

If you can’t get on the roof, check your attic for signs of moisture. Mold can grow and spread in this dark space, so watch for leaks or wet insulation and fix them quickly.

In the bathroom. It might not be surprising that the bathroom is a hot spot for moisture and water damage, but finding leaks can be challenging in a space where so much water is used regularly.

Look under the sink for puddles or dripping noises. Feel around the base of the toilet and shower weekly, and add caulking when it is worn-down. Your bathroom should dry out completely in between uses, so take notice if there is excess moisture hanging around or if your drains are running slow. These are indicators of a bigger issue.

Make sure you are keeping a close eye on the bathroom at least weekly to head off issues before they cause damage.

Large appliances. Anything that uses water can leak water. This includes some appliances you likely use on a daily basis, including you refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine.

Leaks in these appliances can be hidden underneath or behind them, so make it a point to pull them out once or twice a year. Watch for soft spots in the floor near them and check for the presence of mold under and around them.

Every appliance has a different lifespan and maintenance requirements, but you should consider replacing anything that is more than 10 years old. This can stop problems before they ever start and make sure you have the latest safety equipment in your home.

If you do spot a problem, contact SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island right away. We have the tools and expertise to tackle any water damage you experience, 24/7.

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