Homeowners often face water damage from plumbing problems. Leaky hoses, broken water heating systems, and ruptured hoses are all capable of causing extensive damage to your house’s structure and belongings. Many of these issues are preventable with early discovery and routine maintenance. By acting quickly, the long-term effects of water damage may be reduced. A water remediation service is a great resource for helping you. We will discuss plumbing-related damage and how to prevent it.
1. Regular Plumbing Inspections: A Key to Prevention
Proactive maintenance is the first step in preventing water damage caused by plumbing failure. As with any part of your home that requires regular maintenance, you should inspect your plumbing system to ensure it’s working properly.
- Plan Frequent Inspections: Have your plumbing systems inspected by a qualified plumber every year. This will detect potential issues like leaks and weak joints.
- Checking for Leaks: If left unattended, a small water leak can cause significant damage. Watch out for damp spots on ceilings, walls, and floors. Even a slight spike in your water bill can indicate a hidden problem.
2. Insulate Pipes During Winter
Frozen pipes can be a major cause of plumbing issues during the winter. As the temperature falls, the water inside pipes can begin to freeze, leading to increased pressure and eventually a burst.
- Pipe Isolation: Insulate exposed pipelines in attics, basements, and crawl spaces using heating tape or foam sleeves. Pipes running along exterior wall surfaces or in non-heated areas should be given special attention.
- Let Faucets Drizzle: In cold weather, you can allow the faucets to drip to help keep water flowing and reduce the chances of pipes freezing.
3. Maintain Your Sump Pump
Basements are susceptible to damage from water, particularly when there is heavy rain or rapid snow melt. Sump pumps can help prevent flooding by pumping water away from your foundation.
- Sump Pump Test: Check your sump pump function before a heavy downpour or storm. Pour a full bucket of water into your sump pit, and then check to see if it drains properly and the pump works.
- Installing a Backup Power source: If your sump pumps stop working during storms, your basement can flood. If you install a battery backup system, your sump pump will keep working when the electricity is off.
4. Know The Warning Signs Of Plumbing Failures
The earlier you catch a plumbing problem, the less damage is done. Here are a couple of warning signs that you need to be on the lookout for:
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- Lower Water Pressure: Sudden drops could be an indication of a leaky pipe or a blockage.
- Water Discolored: Rusty, discolored, or cloudy water can indicate corrosion in your pipes or problems with the water heater.
- Unpleasant Odors: A musty or foul smell could be caused by a leaky pipe, which may cause water damage or mold growth.
- Pooling of Water: Water that pools around pipes, fixtures, or other plumbing components may indicate an issue.
5. What To Do If Water Damage Occurs
Even with the best preventative measures, water damage can occur from plumbing failures. You must act quickly to limit the damage. What should you do?
- Hire a Professional Plumber: Contact a licensed professional plumber to fix any plumbing problems. Whether it’s a burst hose or a malfunctioning water heater, an expert will be needed to fix it.
- Contact the Water Remediation Company: Once the water source is shut down, call the water restoration company. These professionals can assess the extent and severity of the damage caused by the water. They will also remove any accumulated water and dry the affected area to prevent mold and further structural damage.
Conclusion
Plumbing failures can cause water damage. However, this damage can easily be prevented by taking proper precautions and performing regular maintenance. Regular inspections can help prevent water damage. Winterizing your pipes and maintaining your water heater is also important. Acting quickly is essential if water damage happens. By contacting a remediation company after a plumbing failure, you can reduce damage and avoid long-term problems such as mold and structural damage. By being proactive and knowing how to get professional help when necessary, you can protect your house from water damage throughout the year.