Tips to Prevent Water Leaks in Your Home

There’s nothing worse than coming home to a flooded house. Water leaks from inside or outside the home can lead to mold, structural issues, and major repairs if not properly treated in a timely manner. The good news is that there are check-ups you can do on a regular basis to locate water leaks before they become a larger problem. Spring is upon us, and when seasons change you are at higher risk for outside water coming into the home. Here are a few places that we recommend checking for water leaks.

Inside Your Home:

• Annually check the hoses and connections to all of your appliances that use water. Often you can catch leaks and make affordable repairs when they’re small. If you find small puddles or damp spots on the floor, it’s likely that you have a small leak. We recommend that you isolate the source and make the repair as soon as possible.

• Regularly check under sinks and around the toilet. One of the most common places for water leaks to begin is in the bathroom. Remember that even if you don’t see a water leak in the bathroom, it may still be dripping to the level below. If you notice a water leak coming from your bathroom at any point, we recommend finding the source and shutting off the water via the shut-off valve as soon as possible. Make the repair while the leak is small.

• Locate the master water shut-off valve to your home. In the event of a major water leak or pipe burst, knowing how to shut off the water can spare you a major headache caused by an unexpected lake in your basement.

Outside Your Home:

• Let’s take it from the top. A faulty roof is often a major culprit of unwanted water leaks in the home. Inspect the roof annually by searching for any missing or damaged shingles. If it looks like water could seep through, it can.

• Get your mind in the gutters. As seasons change, gutters and downspouts tend to get clogged with anything you can imagine. Clean out the gutters a few times per year to assure that they do their job in directing water away from your home.

• Walk around the perimeter of the home and take note of any cracks that could allow water to seep in. Filling the cracks with a foam sealant can be a huge help in preventing water leaks.

A water leak can be just the beginning of a major problem. Check these items around your home often. If you find water where it shouldn’t be, don’t ignore these first signs of a problem. Find the source of the problem and take care of it right away. Catching leaks early can save you loads of time and money. For a professional and honest assessment, contact the home inspection experts at Inspect-It 1st. One of our qualified inspectors can come to your home and check for water leaks and damage. Take care of your home, and it will take care of you.