How to Find and Take Care of Water Leaks?

by Kevin Smith Author

Warmer weather is here, and along with it spring rains. As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of potential water leaks in your home. Leaks aren’t always obvious as first, but if left undetected, your home is at risk for serious damage. Read on for ways to check for leaks and what to do if you find one.

I Would Know If I Had a Leak, Right?

Your common sense may tell you that you’d know right away if you had water leaking in your home. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. One of the most common causes of leaks inside a home is a broken pipe. How easy is it for you to actually see your plumbing pipes? Other than those under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, most pipes remain hidden behind the walls and under the floorboards. You may not have a clue that there’s a leak until the damage has been done.

Locating the Source

Don’t panic! If you have a water leak and have incurred damage, you can contact any one of the water restoration companies in Dunwoody. It would be helpful if you could first locate the leak. Always keep your eyes open during the spring rainy season because water can get in your home from a leaky roof. During rainy season, sump pumps can fail, allowing water to back up inside the house. If you find pools of standing water in a basement, always check the sump pump, water heater, and washing machine. All three of these appliances can malfunction.

Signs of Water Damage

You may not have a river running through your house to let you know you have a problem with a leak. The signs may be more subtle than a noticeable puddle. Look up at your ceilings. What you’re looking for are water spots and stains. The area won’t always be wet so don’t be fooled if there isn’t an active drip going on. If the area is stained with brown or yellow areas, chances are you’ve had a leak. Inspect the walls. A leak behind your drywall or plaster may cause paint to bubble or crack. If you have wallpaper, it may bubble or show signs of peeling. Finally, look down at the floors. A leak can happen in a pipe under the floorboards too. Floors that have water damage typically show texture changes. With a thorough inspection, you should be able to find out where the leak is coming from.

Use Your Nose

Most people know when something doesn’t smell quite right inside their home. If you live in an older house, you may associate some smells with nothing more than a musty basement. And it could very well be that, but it’s a good idea to investigate any odor in your home, especially one that smells like mildew. It’s one thing for a basement to smell stale, especially after the winter because it’s been closed up for a few months. Mildew carries with it an unmistakable, sour odor. You may already have visible mold growing, or it may be hiding under flooring. Mold is a serious problem caused by water damage that’s never been handled. The smartest thing you can do is to call in one of the best water restoration companies in Dunwoody, so you can get started on repairing both the leak and the damage.