Areas In Your Home Where Water Damage May Be Hidden

Water and building materials do not react well. When repeatedly saturated with water, wood studs, plywood sheathing, insulation, and subflooring can all deteriorate, rot, or develop mold. Besides that, water damage may be hidden from view, tucked away between walls or beneath floors. As a result, substantial structural damage may occur before its detection. 

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Here are the most common places where water damage could be hiding in your home:

Below The Sink

With a constant water flow from the tap, the sink and the area under the sink are among the most water damage-prone areas. Cleaning or replacing the pipe that helps drain the water regularly is the best maintenance action to avoid clogging and leaking in the sink.

The Bathroom

Bathroom water damage can result from leaking faucets, clogged tubs, toilets, broken or malfunctioning water heaters, and more. Always check water damage signs, such as leaks, and discoloration on the walls and floors, to avoid water damage and cleanup costs. Mold can grow in your bathroom, so ensure it’s well-ventilated.

The Basement

The sump pump, HVAC system, and hot water tank are all potential water damage sources in the basement. If any of these components fail, they have the potential to cause extensive water damage in your basement. Furthermore, foundation cracks in basements allow water from the outside to sip in. Therefore, make it a habit to visit your basement regularly to inspect it and the equipment for any signs of water damage.

Behind The Drywall

Some pipes are hidden behind the wall, making it difficult to determine if there is a leak or damage. To be sure, you should hire a plumber to inspect your plumbing system once in a while.

In The Laundry Room

One of the essential appliances in any home is the washing machine. It could, however, be the cause of the water damage in the laundry room due to broken or old hoses. You can prevent water damage in the laundry room by monitoring your washer’s performance. Besides that, replace any ripped or broken pipes as per the manufactures recommendation.

Under The Dishwasher

Although most homeowners seal dishwashers to keep water inside the tub, leaks can develop in the water supply joints or beneath the drain line.  But since you can’t see beneath the dishwasher, a slow leak can cause significant damage to the subfloor over time.

Inside An HVAC System

When the air conditioning is on, a shallow pan collects condensed water that forms on the evaporator coils of the HVAC unit. A small line directs the water to a floor drain from there. Suppose this line becomes clogged, which is unfortunately not uncommon. In that case, water accumulates in the drip pan or even overflows, creating an ideal environment for mold growth inside the HVAC unit.

Keep an eye out for areas that are susceptible to water damage. When you notice any damage, contact a certified, legal, and professional water restoration service that can do their job quickly and advise you on how to avoid further damage.

Restoration 1 of Winston-Salem is Winston’s most reliable water damage restoration company. Call us today, we serve Winston-Salem & the Triad Area.