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Are you overlooking leaks that threaten your home? Take a five-step, 15-minute property tour to uncover sneaky water invasions.
Modern life bombards us with an enormous amount of information. We simply can't pay attention to everything or we would never get anything done. That's why it's easy to overlook problems that start small, like sneaky water leaks.
A subtle warning like discolored flooring doesn't catch our eye because we're doing something more fun or time-sensitive, and the condition of the floor is a minor detail. But catching leaks early saves money and time. It's a smart thing to do. So trick yourself into paying attention.
How to corral your overloaded mind? Schedule a quick expedition dedicated to actively sleuthing for leaks. Follow our virtual guided tour below to reveal sneaky water invasions threatening your home.
First, peek underneath plumbing fixtures. Look inside kitchen cabinets, under sinks, and behind appliances. Run a cloth along drain pipes, connections, and valves to see if it gets wet.
Second, inspect appliance connections. Pay particular attention to hoses that connect water supply to washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, and sinks. Are they tight and secure? How old are they? These hoses are not meant to last forever; if you can't remember when you replaced them, they are catastrophic leaks waiting to happen because they hold water under pressure at all times.
Third, scrutinize areas around fixtures and appliances. Is the flooring wet, discolored, loose, uneven, or buckling? Old wax seals in toilets often start leaking stealthily; visible signs are subtle as the wayward water silently ruins foundational building materials. Check the water heater footings as well. These appliances frequently spring pinhole leaks, putting telltale stains on the floor as equipment ages.
Next, stroll throughout your home looking up. Stains and discoloration as well as delaminating, crumbling or peeling paint, plaster, and wallboard could indicate a hidden leak. Roof leaks often manifest early as subtle stains that belie their hidden severity and level of damage.
Finally, sniff and listen. Moldy or damp smells are never normal in homes and usually indicate a hidden leak. If you hear water running or dripping when fixtures aren't in use and hot water heaters are not drawing water, investigate further. Pay attention to water and sewer bills, too: research unexplained increases. Locate your main water shut-off valve during your leak tour.
Modern life has handed us much more than we can pay attention to. That's why smart leak detectors and sensors are fantastic devices. It's hard to ignore a piercing alarm!
Concerned about leaks? Our experienced team at Paul Davis is always on call to detect and repair. "Call Paul" at (508) 746-9111. This is no time for second best!
- Taken from the Paul Davis blog
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