Staying Ahead of Leaks and Floods

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

After removing the drywall we discovered the culprit of water damage and mold issues. Always make sure your plumbing is inspected annually.

So many of our customers who have experienced water damage in their homes typically find out that it was preventable and avoidable with a bit of maintenance.  Here at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County we look not only to help you after the disaster but we also try to help you before the disaster strikes.  This is a reminder to always make sure you are on top of your property and the maintenance required to keep it in top shape.

The little investments that you make now can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.  One way to prevent disaster is by making sure your plumbing throughout your home or business is running properly and not experiencing any leaks or decay.  It’s a good idea to either check your pipes yourself or have a professional plumber come in for an inspection. 

Many leaks start in the bathroom so that’s the first place you want to keep an eye on.  Look for bad calking around your sinks, toilet and bathtub.  That is something you can remove and replace yourself with some proper online instruction, at minimal cost.  It’s also important to check the grout in the bathtub, on the floors and walls, this assures that water isn’t escaping and causing issues behind or underneath your tile, this is a typical issue that causes a lot of mold where you may not be able to see, yet.  And always check the piping under sinks as that is another cause of leak and moisture intrusions.

If you have a crawlspace have it inspected at least once a year to assure there is no damage to your pipes underneath the house.  You will also want your HVAC checked as well, we find a lot of ducts that are not properly fitted and allow condensation and moisture to build up, which causes mold and water damage. 

And another important area to have inspected and maintained throughout the year is your water heater.  This is one of the number one culprits that cause flood and water damage.  Please make sure your water heater is properly drained and flushed out annually.  This will prevent sediment from building up in the tank and causing it to prematurely decay and breakdown. 

SERVPRO cares about our customers and making sure they are aware of their responsibilities for homeownership or property management.  These basic tips above can save you from a disaster and a lot of headaches down the road.