Where You Might Find Water Damage at Home | SERVPRO® of Hershey/Swatara

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of Hershey/Swatara team if you are dealing with any water damage.

There’s a fair chance you didn’t go to bed last night wishing upon a star that you could wake up this morning to a flooded garage. Dealing with unexpected water damage is on no homeowner’s list of hopeful tasks.

Obviously we can’t predict external factors like flooding, but there are some places in and around your home that you may be able monitor and gain an advantage as you try to keep the likelihood of water damage to a minimum.

Toilets. There are a few spots in this oft-used appliance that can degrade over time, namely the flapper inside the tank and the valve seal under it. These being rubber makes them prone to wear.

Appliances. Toilets, dishwashers, fridges and any appliance that uses water or feeds from your water supply are prone to leaks, especially from hoses that may dry out or crack, and joints where washer rings may decay. And how old is your water heater? Units over 10 years old have actually been known to explode.

Clogged gutters. This is the most preventable leak at home. Some time on the ladder can keep your gutters in tip-top shape and keep leaves and dirt from damming up the gullies and sending water inside.

Roof damage. Roof care is a whole other topic, but for now, let’s simply say that your roof is an incredibly important source of protection from the elements, and keeping it in good condition will help keep your interior dry. Inspect it regularly and after any major storm.

Pipes. Rust, faulty joints or even excessive water pressure can cause pipes to fail or burst, and tree roots can find microscopic cracks in outdoor lines, even your main water supply.

Blocked garbage disposals or other pipes. Putting the wrong things down your disposal can either cause your disposal to stop working or clog your pipes to the point of backup. Anything that clumps, solidifies or expands as it soaks up water is a no-no.

Water leaks can occur anywhere water flows, because water will find and take advantage of any available space. But keeping an eye on these common leak areas may help you stay ahead of the potential for water damage in your home.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.