Have You Had Water Damage in Your Home?

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water Spraying from a Hose

Have you had water damage in your home?  On average, homes experience water damage once every 11 years.  This damage is caused by a variety of sources, most of which can be mitigated through periodic monitoring and maintenance.  Here are some tips to help you find some of the routine causes.

Gutters

• Make sure the gutters are not clogged by leaves and debris. This will cause standing water that can freeze and cause ice dams.  For more information on ice dams click on this related blog Ice Dams
• Downspouts need to be extended far enough away from the house to prevent water from entering the basement

Plumbing

• Look for leaks under your refrigerator. Not only does removing dirt help improve the unit’s efficiency but the water supply line to the ice maker can come loose and cause a leak that is hidden due to its location.  As a side note, I experienced a leak here about a year ago due to a mouse chewing on the supply line.
• Washing machines often have very old and degrading supply lines. Is yours appear worn you should consider a new set which are easy to install.  Look for the ones that have a metal mesh around them for added reinforcement
• Dishwashers also have water supply lines and can have issues similar to ones noted in the refrigerator section.

Sinks

• As above, check the supply lines for leaks.
• Check the drain, especially the S-trap under the sink to make sure it hasn’t wiggled loose after being bumped by items stored in this space

Humidifiers

• One last time, check the supply lines. These units should be turned on in the fall and off in the spring at the closest valve to limit the risk of leaking during the warm weather.

If you experience water damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Eatontown/Long Branch at 732-578-9888.