It’s the most wonderful time of the year...unless you’re dealing with water damage at home. Red Lilly Plumbing knows how important the holidays are, so we’re sharing our plumbers’ top tips and tricks for identifying and protecting your home from water damage.
Top 3 Signs You Have Water Damage
There are many ways to tell if you have water damage, but most homeowners typically spot one or more of these three problems:
1. Warping Floors - If your home has hardwood flooring, one of the most obvious signs of water damage will be warped floors. When moisture seeps into the same area over an extended period of time, the wood in your floor will absorb the water and expand, shift and even sag over time. This not only causes problems with the initial impact area but can affect the rest of your flooring as well.
2. Mold and Mildew - Unfortunately for most homeowners, the minute you spot mold or mildew, the more serious your water damage problem is. Mold grows in moist, warm environments, and the interior of your home (which is typically heated for the comfort of your household) is a prime growing area for mold. Not only is mold an indication of excess moisture, but it can also cause health problems for family members with asthma or respiratory illnesses.
3. Discoloration - Dark spots and yellowing ceiling tiles are more indicators of excess moisture. Left unresolved, the source of discoloration can lead to bigger problems like sagging, cracking, or leaking. If you notice a change in your ceiling this winter, contact a professional to come out and take a look for the source of the issue.
What causes water damage?
Unfortunately for homeowners, there are many things that can cause water damage in a residence. Even though Los Angeles doesn’t historically get stereotypical winter weather, we do experience cold snaps that can change the weather at a moment’s notice. Common causes of residential water damage include:
- Severe weather and natural disasters
- Plumbing leaks
- Blocked drains
- Clogged gutters
- Faulty or malfunctioning sprinkler system
- And more
Damage to appliances and major systems — whether as a result of severe weather or natural disasters — can cause water damage in a matter of seconds, but some problems can be anticipated and prevented well in advance.
DIY Ways to Prevent Water Damage at Home
Protecting your home from water damage starts with you! While the average homeowner won’t be able to prevent or solve all their plumbing problems and water damage woes, there are many tasks that you can handle.
Inspect Appliances and Problem Areas
Check all sinks, toilets, and plumbing appliances for leaking well before winter. If you see any problems or have concerns about your plumbing fixtures, contact your local plumber to resolve the issue before it becomes a more serious problem.
Drain the Water Heater
Sediment buildup inside the tank of your water heater can cause temperature imbalances and increase the pressure inside your tank. Left unresolved, the tank can burst or begin to leak. This is why annual water heater maintenance is so essential to your home. Drain the tank at least once per year to prevent sediment buildup from shortening the lifespan of your water heater.
Store Outdoor Hoses
Have you removed the hoses from all outdoor plumbing fixtures? Frosty mornings can lead to frozen water in pipes, which causes expansion and contraction inside your plumbing — combined, they can result in a burst pipe that floods the foundation of your home.
Repair All Plumbing Leaks
A minor leak may seem like a small concern, but the minute that small problem becomes a large issue, you’re likely to be dealing with other issues such as mold, roof or floor disfigurement, and water damage.
Fall is the best time to schedule an inspection for your plumbing system. Red Lilly Plumbing will help you handle the protection of your home so you can focus on the cheer of the season. Contact us online or by phone at (323) 319-4102 today!