Where Moisture Hides | SERVPRO of Sioux Falls
1/2/2024 (Permalink)
Without instant access to water, things would be much more difficult in our day-to-day lives. Just think about how often you wash a load of laundry or run the dishwasher. Even something as simple as cleaning muddy feet at the end of the day is made much easier with water that is readily available.
Water makes things easier, but when it ends up hiding out in the wrong places, it can create a complete mess. We may not be able to do a whole lot about Mother Nature when she brings us heavy rains or floods, but we can take action to protect our home from hidden leaks in order to avoid costly damage. When you know where to look, you can keep things safe.
It might seem obvious that your sinks are a top location for water leaks, but they can actually be pretty tricky to find. It only takes a hole the size of a pinhead to drip a good bit of water, and with multiple water lines going in different directions, these drips are easy to miss.
When a leak happens under a sink, it will seep through walls, cabinets and the floor. Look under your sinks at least once a week, and feel all of your water lines for moisture. Make sure connections are tight, and take a look at the seals. Replace anything that has worn out to keep everything working exactly as it should be.
Our washer, dishwasher, water heater and refrigerator might make our lives easier, but they are also susceptible to leaks. These leaks often happen underneath or behind the appliance, which means structural damage might set in before you ever know a leak has started.
The best way to catch these leaks is by pulling out your appliances every few months. Give the area around them a deep-cleaning, and check for signs of water damage. Mold growth, soft spots in the floor or puddles are all signs of a problem. Make sure the water lines leading into the appliance are in good shape to prevent excess moisture buildup.
One of the reasons it is so important to find and correct leaks fast is because of how many other parts of your house might be affected. Water moves fast, and even a small leak can cause water to seep through every crack and crevice possible, working its way under the floor and behind the wall.
Never ignore a musty smell or a creaky floorboard, especially when you notice them near an appliance. These are both indicators that a bigger issue could be happening and you need to do some investigating.
If finding condensation on your windows is a common sight, you might want to spend some time checking for damage. While condensation can commonly form when the weather swings in temperature, this condensation can stick around and work its way into cracks and crevices, causing structural damage.
Use your hands to feel around the window frames and doorframes. If things are wet, take a look at the seals and freshen up anything that has worn out. Look for damaged wood or space in the frames and correct those as well to prevent future damage.
If your home does end up with water damage, it doesn’t have to feel like the end of the world. Just make one call to SERVPRO®, and we will respond to your property fast. We can handle a completely flooded basement or damage that has set in over time. Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO for a quick restoration.