The Most Common Sources of Water Damage

No matter where you live, a water leak can create a serious issue in your home. Getting to know common sources of water leaks and knowing the best ways to prevent and repair them can help save you and your family lots of time, money and hassle. Though each leak is different and depends on your location, home type and a variety of other factors, going through the following checklist is the perfect place to start whenever you inspect your home for possible water damage.

The first place to look is the kitchen. Water leaks are common and frequently occur in kitchens. Check all caulking around the sink to ensure that it is firm and creates a full seal. If there are any cracks, fill them with a caulking tool. You can now move to inspect under the sink for any obvious signs of water damage. This includes standing water, small puddles, wet spots, drips or moisture. You should also check for signs of mold and mildew at this time to indicate any past or infrequent water damage.

After you have checked the sink, inspect your dishwasher hose connection for any signs of leakage. Check around the dishwasher itself for any signs of spotting, discoloration, water drainage or damaged flooring. A water leak will eventually show itself in these areas.

After you have checked these areas, take a close look around the refrigerator, both inside and outside. Is there any usual condensation that could indicate a water leak somewhere? Is the icemaker hose fastened securely to the water line? Check also for any water spots on the floor, as these are typically clear signs of a water leak somewhere.

Now that you have inspected the kitchen, you can take a look at your bathrooms. This is another place where heavy amounts of water are used in your home to flush your toilet, use a shower or bathtub and groom yourself at the sink. Check the seal around your sink and bathtub to make sure that all of the caulking is sealed and intact. At this time you should also be looking for any leaking or damaged pipes and other plumbing elements that could be causing a water leak.

Showers and bathtubs are common culprits of water damage. Check caulking and grout for any crumbling and separation. These are also great places to look for mold. When checking around your toilet, check all caulking, seals and on the floor for any floor damage as a result of a water leak. Similar to in the kitchen, look under the bathroom sink for leaks, spots or dripping to point you in the direction of water leaks and damage.

The last places that you should check are the accessory areas of your home. This includes the laundry room, garage and basement. You will want to check the connections on hot water tanks, washing machines and any utility sinks that you may have. Always do a quick scan of floors in this area, as this is one of the first places that you will notice a water leak. With diligent repairs, inspection and maintenance, you can typically avoid or fix most leaks before they cause any significant damage.


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