Where to Sleuth Out Signs of Impending Leaks | SERVPRO® of West Milwaukee

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of West Milwaukee team if you are dealing with any water damage.

It sure would be nice if water damage announced itself before it happened. If you could get an email or a text that said, “Hey, it’s your sump pump here; I’m feeling a little clogged and I’m thinking about backing up tomorrow,” that would make things a lot simpler.

Unfortunately, we don’t get detailed plans and updates from our water devices. But if you don’t mind doing some routine checking, you may be able to stave off or even fully prevent some instances of water damage at home.

Toilets. The flapper inside the tank and the valve seal under it are both common sources of leaks, and if the wax ring under the toilet itself happens to lose its seal, it can introduce some seriously gross (and toxic) leakage.

Appliances. Washing machines are notorious for going through water hoses every few years, and any appliance runs water through hoses or soft supply lines may develop similar issues. And when’s the last time you considered the age of your water heater? Don’t let replacement wait too long, or it could explode.

Clogged gutters. This one at least has a repeatable prevention method that you can control, even if you’d rather not spend an afternoon on a ladder. Gutter clogs can force water to seep into and under your roof, and send water running down your interior walls, weakening beams and ruining paint and drywall.

Roof damage. Your roof is like Atlas, holding the world on its shoulders. It takes a constant beating from the elements and local critters, and it holds on as long as it can. But eventually, it will show signs of wear, and left unchecked, that wear will allow water into your house.

Pipes. Indoor pipes can crack or burst for several reasons, from freezing to rust, and loose joints and high water pressure can allow hundreds of gallons per day to flow into your home. And always keep an eye on your water bill, because if tree roots encroach on your water lines, you may have no other way of noticing—that is, until you have a massive backup.

Blocked garbage disposals. Foods that soak up water can really gum up the works and cause blockages in your sink, and excessive or hard plunging to remove those clogs can cause your p-trap to break free if joints are loose.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.