Water damage is the worst thing a homeowner can imagine or go through. The problem with water damage is that it could take place due to a variety of reasons and can be a tricky situation to fix at times, especially if it is in the bathrooms. With the right information and knowledge, it is easy not only to fix but also to prevent such situations from taking place in the future. Plus, you should also perform mold removal because mold grows in wet or humid conditions. This guide discusses potential causes of water damage in the bathroom and ways to prevent it from happening down the road.
Damaged Pipes
Damaged pipes are one of the most common reasons bathrooms experience water damage. Such situations are normal in older homes as the pipes are vulnerable to cracks and damage. If you observe there are water pools in the bathroom, it could be that something is not right.
Sometimes, it could be as simple as replacing a leaking tap, but if everything else seems fine, you will need to check for details. If the bathroom has water damage on the floor or the cabinets, including the walls, etc., it could be that the leakage is serious.
Spikes in your water bill are going to be a telltale sign that something is not normal. If possible, use a flashlight and check the corners and narrow areas. If you do not find any leakage in the taps, shower, and other areas, it means the pipe is most probably damaged.
Appliances
Sometimes, the issue might also lie in the appliances or bathroom equipment. For instance, if the bathrooms have a shower tub installed, it could be a leakage in the tub that is causing the water to leak. Plus, the water connections to the tub could also be rusty and might have cracks that are causing water to escape instead of going inside the tub.
Furthermore, if you have a washing machine inside the bathroom, it might be the source of water damage as well. For example, washing machines come with filters installed. If the filters tend to become clogged, it could leak water. Additionally, the drain pipe can also face obstructions or blockages.
In such a case, the water will back up and leak from somewhere else. It could also enter sensitive areas of the machine and damage it. So, when it comes to water damage due to appliances, you will need to check the appliances thoroughly, as water damage can either be very small in its initial stages or extremely serious once it has reached the final stage.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains can be an extremely frustrating issue for some homeowners. Although the general rule of thumb is that drains should be checked and maintained regularly but unfortunately, laziness take over. Bathrooms drains can easily become clogged with grease, hair, and other things.
When blockages occur, the pipes have to undergo extreme pressure to move the waste down the sewerage line. If the drains are not properly cleaned, it could lead to sickness, disease, and other health concerns. It could also be that a clogged toilet backs up into your sink. Moreover, some clogs can also damage the pipes and lead to hidden leakages.
The good news is that you can prevent all this by pouring boiling water down the drain once a month to dissolve grease, soap scum, and other potential blockages. Drain pipes that are free from such complications tend to last longer as well.
Natural Disasters
Hurricanes, downpours, snowstorms can all bring excessive water into your home, resulting in flooding. The problem with natural disasters is that you cannot stop them from taking place. But if you live in a region that experiences such extreme weather conditions on a regular basis, you might want to take some safety measures.
For example, if you reside in a coastal region, you should purchase additional flood insurance. Some people tend to raise their homes on stilts to prevent contact with the floodwater. Meanwhile, others choose to install a vent or sump pump.
In case of a natural calamity, you should try to remain calm and find a safe place to move for a while. You won’t be able to remove the water on your own as the level is going to be too high. You should wait for a few days until the level goes down, and then check for damage. It’s important to consult a water damage restoration Rockville service who can remove water and save, some or most, of your belongings and the house.
HVAC Units
If you have an HVAC unit installed in the house, you might want to check it for water leakages as well. Sometimes, the problem is not within the bathroom but travels down to such areas. If the HVAC unit tends to be clogged, the water will back up and escape in areas like bathrooms.
This could be dangerous because water damage can risk electrocution. This is why you should regularly inspect and maintain the HVAC units by consulting an expert. In addition to that, HVAC units are expensive machines and can cost you savings if repairs and replacements are needed.
Investing in professional maintenance not only prevents such complications but also increases the lifespan of the unit.
Structural Damage
Structural damage is common in older properties. With time, the foundation, walls, and other areas can become vulnerable to cracks and damage, causing moisture and water to enter. These complications can worsen with time and lead to water damage in bathrooms.
The biggest problem with such issues is that you are not able to find out the root cause, source, or area where the damage is. You will have to consult an expert who will perform a thorough inspection using special tools, equipment, and skills.
If you have trees installed near or within the property, it could be the roots penetrating through the pipes and causing damage. Then again, you won’t be able to find out about it unless you insect it. But, to be on the safe side, you should have a bathroom remodeling professional come and check the house for its structural integrity and repairs, if needed.
How To Find An Expert?
Finding an expert who can regularly inspect your house and fix water damage in the bathrooms is an important factor to consider. The problem is that the market is too saturated nowadays. While hunting for the right expert, you will come across many options.
You might be tempted to go for someone who is offering cheaper rates, but you should keep such options aside. Instead, you should always choose someone who is certified and licensed to carry out such activities. Finding out the real source or cause of the water damage can be quite tricky.
So, if you opt for someone who is not experienced or skilled enough, it could lead to further problems. Opting for an expert is an investment you make towards your home rather than an expense.
Conclusion
Water damage is common is bathrooms, but you can fix it by spotting it quickly and then hiring a water damage and mold remediation Gaithersburg expert for fixing it.
