Damaging Water Leaks

Weekend BBQs in the garden. A garage workshop for your hobbies. An attic to store that 12 foot Christmas tree. Having a home brings you so many blessings. However, now you have to protect your Gilbert home and belongings from problems like water damage from leaks.

The team at Valleywide Restoration suggests that doing routine maintenance on your appliances is the best proactive method to prevent leaks. When you are consistently updating older parts of hardware, you may be able to prevent leaks from happening. Monitoring your water bill is also extremely important, as you can find spikes in the charges and determine if there is a leak.

Signs of Leaking Water Pipes

Leaks are notoriously difficult to diagnose. A pin prick hole or cracked connection can begin as a slow drip, or under pressure can become quite forceful. Get in the habit of acting on any suspicious water signs in the home such as:

• Water bill is significantly higher
• Random patch of wet – or previously wet – drywall
• Moldy smell in a closed space
• Decreased water pressure
• Darkened ceiling paint or bubbled ceiling plaster  

Add a Leak Detection System?

Appliance failures and plumbing issues can occur at any time. Since large leaks can happen fast, many times the damage is done before you realize the problem. While you are not able to monitor your home water supply 24/7, there are tools that will do exactly that for you.

Many leaks are caused by predictable failures: hot water heater, A/C overflow, kitchen sinks, etc. The homeowner can proactively monitor the weak links in the home.  A leak detection system automatically detects an unusual increase in water usage and alerts you. When choosing a system, you have two options: moisture sensors and whole home systems.

Moisture sensor automatic water shut off systems work by leaving physical discs where you predict there might be a future leak; they then shutoff your water supply. To sufficiently protect your home, you will probably need over 10 placed in various areas of your home like around toilets, washing machines, and hot water heaters. They are not connected to one another, they also don’t give you water usage information to detect non-damaging leaks.

A whole home leak detection system detects continuous flow anywhere in the home for an extended period of time. For example, an eroded toilet flapper that runs continuously would trigger the sensor to shut off that appliance.

These systems can a) prevent you from losing hundreds to thousands of dollars in damaged property and water bills, b) save you from losing irreplaceable personal property. As an added incentive, reach out to your insurance company to c) learn about possible discount on your policy.

Risks of Water Damage

Persistent water issues may be caused by leaking joints, clogs in your water lines, poor workmanship, failed solderings, or simply old age. When left wet, your property can suffer from mold and mildew. All homes have mold spores, even with new construction. In dry areas, spores can lay dormant for decades, never causing a problem. However, moisture triggers growth. Mold spores can proliferate, travel through the HVAC system, and pollute the indoor air.  

When drywall starts to absorb water from a leaky pipe; it begins to warp and swell. Wood deterioration, weakened framing, and damaged support beams can compromise the structural integrity of the home.  

Water and electricity never mix. When water comes into prolonged contact with outlets, wiring, or electrical boxes, the system can become compromised and unsafe. Hopefully the breaker system will work and the circuit will ‘trip’. Water damage could pose a fire threat due to shorted out wires. If you suspect, have an electrician or Valleywide Restoration examine it.

Water Damage in Gilbert

Valleywide Restoration repairs damaged drywall, ceilings, floors, and carpets. Valleywide Restoration is a family owned and operated company with over 25 years of experience in the restoration, renovation, and the construction industry. Each water damage repair is based on your needs: the location, duration, source of water, the types of building materials affected, the weather conditions and how to support your family.

Valleywide Restoration has the tools and knowledge to make your cleanup easier.  Please contact us for all emergency home needs including free quotes. Not only are they family owned, but also employs over 40 employees dedicated to providing you with high-quality service, quick turnarounds and efficient deadlines.