What You Should Know About Water Leaks

Water leaks within the home are one of the top contributors to damage in homes. When water is allowed to remain unattended to, the damage that can add up over time can cause drastic and expensive damage. Paying attention to water leaks is one of the best ways that home owners can increase the value and longevity of their homes. If you are looking for help with a leaky water heater in Houston, your home could be at risk for serious damage. Here are the top ten things you need to know about water leaks in your home.
Invisible Leaks
You should not think that all water leaks are always visible. Very often water leaks that are the most damaging are the ones that can not be seen at all. Invisible leaks are the most damaging because the leak will continue for quite a while before the homeowner can detect it. Invisible leaks most often begin within walls where pipes integrity can be compromised without your knowledge.
The best way to detect an invisible leak is to keep an ear tuned to your walls when water is turned on or when water is draining in your home. Very often you will hear water leaking or you can hear compromised pipes. Compromised pipes will create a knocking sound. Any noises coming from your walls should be dealt with quickly.
Wood Damage
One of the most expensive types of damage that you will encounter due to water leaks is wood damage. Wood damage can be kept at bay through aggressive attention to water issues. If water is allowed to sit on wooden surfaces for any prolonged amount of time then water damage will occur. Water damaged wood will result in expensive replacement of the wood.
In many cases wood damage can be extensive and even spread to other wooden surfaces. Wood absorbs water and will spread the water to other areas.
Mold
Damage to your wooden surfaces and other aspects of your home are not the only types of damage that your home is at risk for when leaks are an issue. Standing water or unattended to water can also result in mold. Mold is a dangerous type of growth that results when water is left in inactive places. Places where mold is likely to develop include ceilings, behind walls and under appliances.
Mold is especially dangerous when there are small children or elderly people residing in a home. These individuals are more susceptible to negative reactions from mold including asthma and other lung disorders. In some cases toxic black mold can develop which can have serious health effects on people of all ages. If unattended to water results in toxic mold then homeowners will need consult with professionals to have it removed.
Mildew
Although not as much of a threat to your health, mildew is also a risk you run when water leaks are allowed to go unchecked. Mildew can cause real cosmetic damage to both wood, and other types of building material. Carpet is especially susceptible to mildew damage. Mildew can cause permanent damage to your home.
Smells
In addition to damage and health risks, water leaks can also result in unpleasant smells in your home as well. In fact an unpleasant smell is often one of the first signs that you may have an ongoing leak. Standing water with a bad smell can be a breeding ground for insects that can carry harmful diseases which can affect your family’s health.
Bad smells can also affect the overall appeal of your home. This can have a huge emotional effect on you and your family.
Leaky Faucets
Damaging water leaks are often considered to be the leaks that are leaking from pipes and into ceilings, walls, or beneath the floor. However, leaky faucets are also a costly type of leak that can cause homeowners a lot money and trouble.
Leaky faucets can add up to a lot of wasted water and increased water bills for those using municipal water sources. The damage within your faucet that is causing the leak is also a repair that will get more complicated when it allowed to go unchecked.
Leaking Water Heaters
Leak detection in Houston should always include all major appliances which use water. Hot water heaters are often a culprit in damaging leaks. If you think your water heater is leaking you will need to check to make sure. Sometimes hot water heaters will create condensation which can collect into a puddle and form the appearance of a leak. Conducting a thorough examination of the hot water heater and the plumbing fittings will help you determine if you are actually dealing with a leak or with simple condensation collection.
Water Shut Off
You need to be aware of how your home’s main water supply is shut off and turned on. This is good information to have on hand even before you encounter your leak. Being familiar with where your water source turns on and off can be the difference between a huge flood if you should have a major leak, or just a small manageable puddle.
If you are not sure where you water shut off is at your home then you can contact your local water municipality supplier to inform you. If you have a well you can usually cut power to the well in order to turn off water supply to the home.
When to Call the Professionals
Even the most ambitious homeowner should be aware of their limitations. There are certain home repairs that should be handled by a professional. Serious water leaks can turn into a true nightmare when not handled properly. For this reason if you feel that you are not well equipped to handle the situation, then you should definitely call a professional before any more damage is sustained to your home.