Which Areas in Your Home are Most Susceptible to Water Damage?

Even without prior experience, you can imagine how disruptive water damage can be. While it isn’t surprising that water damage is among the commonly filed home insurance claims, flooding, and water damage are preventable. Some cases of water leaks are visible and very obvious. However, others occur subtly, especially in areas that you hardly access.

Failing to protect your home from water damage can result in grave consequences. Like fire, wind, and other damages, you should hire expert services to restore your water-damaged home. Moisture Master Pros are certified experts who can fix water and mold problems in your home. While water damage can affect all rooms in your home, the following areas are the most susceptible.

1. The Bathroom

Bathrooms are undoubtedly the most susceptible to water damage. This is because many things can go wrong with your sink, showers, tubs, and toilets. Water damage can result from accidental overflows, leaky pipes and fittings, and many other causes. High humidity in the bathroom also promotes mold and mildew growth. Fortunately, you can protect your bathroom from water damage by:

• Using waterproof building materials – Using waterproof materials is probably the best way to prevent water damage in your bathroom. While you may prefer organic and plant-based materials, such as bamboo and wood, they are not perfect for bathroom construction. Inorganic materials like metal, stone, ceramic, and plastic are best for bathrooms. They are water resistant and resist mold and mildew growth.
• Hire plumbing pros – The smallest plumbing mistake can cause significant water damage. You shouldn’t entertain the thought of DYing your bathroom plumbing. Unless you are confident with your skills, you should hire a professional for bathroom plumbing work.
• Monitor bathroom plumbing for leaks – You should also closely monitor your bathroom for leaks. Small drops can accumulate over time, causing extensive damage.

2. The Basement

Surprisingly, nearly 90% of basements across the U.S. experience some sort of water damage. This mostly stems from water seepage, which infiltrates the basement from groundwater, especially after heavy rains. Most homeowners also have their water heaters in the basement. Water heaters can start leaking due to a loose drain valve or pressure from the heater tank. You can protect your basement from water damage by:

• Adding gutter extensions – As a rule, your downspouts should dump water five feet or more away from your home. If your downspouts are close to the basement, you can guide water away temporarily by adding metal or plastic gutter extensions. However, for a permanent solution, consider installing invisible underground drain pipes.
• Reshaping your landscape – Reshaping the landscape ensures that it drains water away from your basement.
• Installing or repairing footing drains – Start by checking if your home has footing drains. These are underground pipes installed to channel water away from your foundation. If your home doesn’t have these drains, install them. If the drains are clogged or broken, repair them.
• Waterproofing basement walls – Installing drainage systems and other basement water prevention mechanisms are effective but keep water out of your basement. You should consider waterproofing your basement walls and sealing any cracks.

3. The Kitchen

The kitchen is also very susceptible to water damage. Kitchen sinks can block, overflow, or leak. Large appliances, especially refrigerators, can also leak for several reasons, including clogged water supply, faulty ice maker, or a clogged water supply. Dishwashers can also leak due to faulty door latches, damaged or loose valves, or corroded tubs. You can protect the kitchen from water damage by:

• Ensure that fats, oils, and grease don’t drain down your kitchen sink. These compounds are the main cause of drain and sewer blockage. Wiping out pans and pots before washing them in the sink can prevent this problem.
• Like any other sink, check for deteriorating or missing caulking. Should there be problems, remove the deteriorated caulking, clear, and reseal.
• Apply waterproof paint to protect cabinets under the sink from water damage caused by leaks.
• Inspect your kitchen for signs of leaks. Water leaks often occur where they are least expected. Check underneath your fridge, stove, and other kitchen appliances for signs of water damage and mold growth.

4. The Laundry Room

Like the bathroom and kitchen, water damage to the laundry room can occur due to many factors. However, washing machines are the main cause. Washing machines can overflow while operational, or the connecting hose may leak, causing costly damages. You can avoid this by waterproofing the laundry room floor, washer, and dryer and conducting routine maintenance.

Endnote

Other rooms are also susceptible to water damage, especially if you haven’t waterproofed your home. With these and other opportunities, preventing water damage might seem inevitable. However, you can avoid water damage and the psychological and emotional turmoil that follows by taking the necessary precautionary measures.