Understanding Water Leaks on Your Property | SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda to find the source.

We experience all kinds of wet weather in the Buffalo area. We are no strangers to snow and rain, which means we are no strangers to the potential for water damage in our homes. Water damage has the ability to cause widespread issues in a short amount of time or over many months, making it a tricky form of home damage.

In order to prevent these types of water issues from occurring on your property, you need to understand the most common places for them to originate.

Our SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda team explains the top three locations to keep an eye on this spring and summer below.

Your roof. Most people aren’t up on their roofs on a regular basis, so this part of your home can be tough to keep an eye on. However, you really should make it a priority to give your roof a thorough check after each severe storm and with the change in seasons.

Roof damage can occur in an obvious instance, like due to a falling tree, or it can happen slowly with a single cracked shingle that slowly leaks water into your home.

However it starts, roof damage can introduce water into your home quickly and it can spread and leak down your walls. When that happens, you need to be careful for mold growth because mold loves continually damp and dark spaces like behind your walls and beneath your floors.

Your bathroom spaces. Every home’s bathroom is used frequently. From brushing teeth to washing the dog in the tub, you are constantly running water through your fixtures. Any time you turn on a tap, you are increasing your risk of a water leak. This is why it is so important to check the water lines and pipes around your fixtures often!

Catching a puddle while it is forming or stopping a leak on its first or second drip can help you prevent water damage altogether. It is also important to address any lingering moisture issues in your bathroom and try to run vents or open a window to dry out this space between uses.

Other appliances. This one might also seem obvious, and that’s probably because you have dealt with an appliance malfunction or two over the course of your homeownership career. Leaky or malfunctioning appliances are a common cause of water damage.

This is due to the fact that dishwashers and washing machines are constantly filling up and draining water. Over time, hose lines and connectors can experience wear and tear and drains can get clogged. Do your best to keep them clean and maintained, and check beneath and behind them for signs of water damage or water spots often.

Another helpful tip is to try and replace your outdated appliances whenever you are financially able to do so. This increases your confidence that you have the most reliable equipment in your home.

Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!