24/7 Emergency Service
What to Know About Water Seepage | SERVPRO® of East Brownsville & South Padre Island
4/29/2024 (Permalink)
You may not be aware of water leaking into your house, but there are ways you can detect an intrusion. Lowered air quality including a damp or musty smell, cracks, and peeling paint can all indicate that your home is taking in moisture that could lead to damages in your home’s foundation.
A leak in the house can lead to damages, including rusted appliances. While there are several indicators to watch for, the most obvious one will be water on the floor.
Learn the causes of water leaks in order to avoid damages that could become extensive to your home.
Sinks are one of the common sources of water leaks in the home. A hole in a water line or deteriorated caulk around bathtubs, toilets or showers can lead to seepage.
Take the time to check around these areas regularly, and stop leaks before they can cause extreme damages. A tiny leak can lead to more than a thousand gallons of wasted water each year.
Appliances are a common source of leaks in the house. Refrigerators that have an ice maker or other water source and dishwashers are two appliances that have a high risk of unseen longterm leaks that could lead to damages to your floor that will require extensive and costly restoration.
To look for an appliance leak, unplug water-containing appliances and then pull them away from the wall. Check behind them and underneath them for puddles, damp spots or mold growth. Call us if you notice any issues to get things taken care of quickly and correctly before the disaster can worsen.
Not all water leaks come from the inside, though. There are external sources that could lead to a slow leak that creeps in through windows and doors or a full flood if the weather turns intense.
We have seen flooding in our area from multiple sources, including coastal flooding and heavy rain storms that brought flash flooding. We have also contended with hurricanes that brought storm surges and high water levels to all of our water sources. It is essential for everyone in this area to have a flood plan in order to keep their home protected.
Fortunately, you can create a plan to manage these risks. You need to prepare your home and maintain a prepared home all year in order to ensure water stays out and to avoid damages.
Keep an eye on your gutters, downspouts and roof as the first way of protecting your house. Gutters that are filled with leaves can cause overflowing water that trickles down through the roof and damages the walls or foundation. Keep the area around your downspouts clear, and clean your gutters on a regular basis to keep water moving away from your home.
Your windows and doors should also be checked periodically to ensure their seals are secure. Seals that have loosened or broken down let excessive moisture enter your home that can promote mold growth.
The landscaping around your property can help move water away from your home. Create slopes outside your home with organic materials in order to protect your basement from water intrusion. When your home is ready for anything, you can rest well knowing you are protected.
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.