When housesitting you are responsible for the pets and frequently the property you are sitting. This housesitters guide to water Damage will help you to ensure you are equipped and ready to spot the main signs of water related damage around the home you are caring for. Here are our top tips.
Housesitters’ Guide to Water Damage – Top Tips
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You’re settling into a new house-sitting gig and everything seems great, until it’s not. Hidden water damage can emerge surprisingly. As the trustee for another’s property, we’ll help you become an expert at spotting water damage. So, whether you’re the homeowner or the house sitter, these tips will be beneficial.
Knowing Your House’s Water Systems
Understanding your home’s water systems can help you to identify any potential leaks or problems that may cause water damage. After all, SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) and The Pareto Principle (80% of the outcomes come from 20% of all causes) are mighty strategies applicable here too.
Your house’s plumbing system includes supply pipes that transport clean water, waste pipes that remove drain water and vent pipes which prevent sewer gasses from heading into your house. Leaks in any one of these can herald disaster.
Hot water heaters and air conditioning units have a tendency to leak when not maintained properly. Make sure you routinely check the secondary pans underneath these appliances for excess moisture or rust marks as it might be a sign for concern.
Outdoor hoses and faucets are notorious for springing leaks without anyone noticing for quite some time. Keep an eye out on these areas for pooling or unusually heavier soaked grounds as they are clear indicators.
Identifying Potential Water Damage Sources
Other than known sources like problematic pipes and faulty appliances, many other subtle sources could lead to potential water damage without notice in which case you want to call the www.waterdamagespecialist.com.au.
Rain brings along moisture which is good for plants but could be a menace depending upon your roof’s condition and your gutter system. Unclear gutters often end up depositing excess water near the home’s foundation which could cause seepages.
Many indoor items can also lead to water source issues. Check on anything that uses water such as showerheads, toilets, indoor plants and even pet water dishes for it would be prudent to rule out these sources before you encounter a bigger issue.
Checking on potential sources for water damage is important because it helps you stay proactive and possibly avoid extensive water damage remediation costs.
Spotting Foundation Water Damage
Minor leaks may not sound like a big deal but they could potentially damage your home’s foundation severely over time. Here are some hints to help you spot such damage easily.
- Efflorescence is a clear indicator of water intrusion – It appears as a white or grayish ash residue on your home’s foundation walls due to salts and minerals brought up by the evaporating moisture in your home’s materials.
- Foundation cracks also indicate possible issues – They could be vertical, horizontal, or simply in random patterns and though not always due to leaks, it might be good to cross-check your observations with a professional.
- Swollen door frames – Last but not least are door frames that don’t close properly anymore or windows that seem too hard to open or close. These are indicative of foundation shift which might just be due to prolonged contact with moisture.
Finding Water Damage in Walls
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You walk past them every day without giving much notice, but walls can tell you if they’re suffering from water damage if you just know what to look out for.
Please focus on wallpapers first since they tend to peel if there is excess moisture. Even unadorned walls too can show these signs but in the form of flaking paint.
Mold is another serious concern when it comes to water damage. These microscopic fungi feed off organic material in drywall and paint, quickly ruining the aesthetic of a home and potentially leading to health issues.
Keep in mind though, not all signs will be as overt as peeling walls. Sometimes water damages manifest in slight discoloration sections or areas that are swollen upon contact.
Recognizing Ceiling Water Damage
Turn your attention upwards to spot these often overlooked indicators of a water problem.
Begin with observing unusual spots. They might be yellow or brown on white ceilings or lighter than the surrounding colors evenly for colored ones. This could be a marking of lingering moisture from an upper-level source like roof leaks or faulty plumbing.
An often overlooked sign is warped ceilings because not everyone looks up as much any more but bowing or sagging could indicate water retention inside the ceiling cavities and is definitely a cause for immediate action.
Lastly, check for unexpectedly peeling paint on your ceiling, another clear hint of water damage.
Locating Water Damage in Floors
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Spotting Water Induced Warping
Floors tend to show the first deviation when subjected to water leakage because gravity forces water down. One standard indication of water damage is a warp in the flooring. This happens due to persistent exposure to moisture which might result from leaks, spills or high humidity.
Maintaining Regular Checks on Flooring Materials
Different flooring materials react differently to water presence. Therefore, specific attention must be given based on the floor type. Hardwood floors may have dark stains or may start displacing, laminate floors could swell and tiles may get loosened.
Being Observant of Odours and Discolourations
Beware of unexplained musty smells or stains. They can act as early warning signs. If you notice any unusual odor or discoloration it could be due to underlying mildew or mold.
If you detect any such anomalies, it’s essential to swiftly tackle them. Quick action can limit further deterioration caused by potential underlying water damage.
Inspecting Bathroom For Water Damage
Carefully Checking the Tiles and Vanity Units
Bathrooms are often hotspots for hidden water damage. Watch out for loose tiles, as this may hint at unseen moisture within your walls. Vanity units are also not immune to trouble – swollen, warped, or discolored cabinets provide evidence of water invasion.
Essential Sink and Toilet Checks
- Examining sinks for recurring had-to-remove mineral build-up around fixtures helps understand whether there is unseen leakage.
- Testing toilet’s wax ring occasionally for looseness can save from encountering significant water damage later.
Curtain and Grout Inspection
Shower curtains should be regularly checked for mold or mildew, especially along seams which might be symptoms of humidity or water leakage. Grout in bathroom tiles often discolors when consistently exposed to moisture.
Checking Kitchen For Water Damage
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Suspicious Sink Indications
As the highest user of water in a kitchen, the sink is a place one must regularly scrutinize. Never disregard cracks or discoloration as they might be due to constant water exposure.
Curious Case of Appliances
All appliances that use water, specifically dishwashers and refrigerators, can be potential sources for slow unnoticed leaks. Undertaking a thorough examination behind and beneath these appliances could help nip such threats at early stages.
Cabinet Tells and Floor Tales
Resilient and vinyl flooring can become loose as the adhesive weakens with time due to recurring moisture. Cabinets may display swelling or discolouration early on – all signs pointing toward a possible hidden water problem.
If any kitchen component seems skewed from normal, you better investigate promptly to limit the damage extent.
Mold Indications of Water Damage
Potentially Harmful Mold: A Silent Indicator
Inconsistent lifestyle changes can induce mold in residences. Basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, kitchens – each can develop mold given particular conditions.Mildew isn’t harmful generally but its elder cousin ‘Black Mold’ (Stachybotrys Chartarum, its formal name) can cause serious health issues.
Giveaways of Mold Presence
- Visible splotches are the most overt signs of mold.
- If an area smells musty even though it appears clean, there might be hidden mold.
Reacting Effectively to Mold Emergence
Mold should not be dismissed as a minor issue; it’s a tell-tale sign of chronic water exposure. Upon encountering indicating signs, arrange for professional mold testing and treat the genuine cause behind the issue.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Water Damage
Regular Maintenance is Key
Allocating scheduled time for inspecting faucets, appliances, pipes, tiles-can help uncover potential sources of leaks much earlier.
Gutter Cleaning Ensures Wellness
Including periodical gutter cleaning in your home maintenance schedule guarantees that rainwater doesn’t accumulate, mitigating potential damage to your home’s foundation.
Invest in Quality Leak Detectors
Water leak detectors are devices that sound an alarm when they sense moisture, allowing you to tackle water damage immediately. Higher-end models even notify via mobile phones.
Have a Professional Check-up
Lastly, having your house checked by a professional at least once a year provides a comprehensive review and peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken all appropriate preventive steps.
Final Thoughts
Being equipped with the right methods and maintaining regular vigilance can help thwart water damage before it poses any significant threat. Remember that acting fast on initial signs pays off in the long run. Besides protecting your house from physical damage, it also safeguards you from facing exponential repair costs.
So keep inspecting, keep maintaining and continue enjoying a worry-free stay at your beloved abode.
FURTHER READING ON HOME MAINTENANCE AND HOME CARE
Top tips for managing home maintenance
Home maintenance – Signs of home water damage
Home maintenance – How to fix hidden problems
Roof maintenance – Essential for every homeowner’s peace of mind
What is House Sitting?
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