Any homeowner should know that water damage can be one of the most dreaded things they can find. Sometimes it can be just a small amount of water that causes a small amount of damage. Then there are some things that can quickly cause a lot of water to be let out at once and this can cause a lot of damage. The thing is that many times water problems in a home can be avoided all together when the home is inspected on a regular schedule by the home owner or someone qualified they might hire to do it for them once a year. It is easy for a homeowner to save money and do these inspections themselves if they know what to look for. The following list are places you should never miss:
1. Underneath cabinets is a great place to start inside . Kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room cabinets can have sink plumbing in them that can leak. Check for leaking faucets as well.
2. Appliances that use water will be your refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, and hot water heater. Even a freezer can leak water. Check underneath them to look for any leaking from the appliance and always check the water connections.
3. Check around tubs, showers, and toilets for leaks and missing caulking that can allow water to get in. Look at baseboards and flooring to see if water has damaged the wood.
4. Windows and doors that lead to outside can develop leaks where rainwater can get in. These gaps or cracks around the installation area also cause outside air to get in and inside heating and cooling to go out.
5. Check exhaust fans and vents anywhere you might have them installed in your home. They need to be anywhere that moisture might accumulate like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.
6. Attics and basements leaks can often be found on the inside where water is coming in from the outside. These areas might also need ventilation to prevent moisture build up. If they feel damp or humid, installing a dehumidifier might be a good idea.
7. If you have ant indoor fountain or water feature inside the home, they need to be checked for leaks as well.
8. Outside the home, you must have the roof inspected especially if you found leaking in the attic. Check for loose or missing shingles. Look closely where gutters are connected to the home and make sure they are clear of any debris and rust free.
9. Check outside water spigots connected to the home or not.
10. If you have a crawlspace instead of a basement, it is necessary to go under there and look for pipe leaks or any water that is coming in from outside. Standing water in the crawlspace can cause structural damage.
11. Landscaping is important because water must run away from the home foundation and not settle around it. This will cause basement leaking, leaking into the crawlspace and foundational damage.
12. Look at air conditioners and central heating and cooling units because they can leak water.
Last of all, every home is different and may have other places where water can be a problem. You might have a sprinkler system in your home or yard. These need to be checked if you have them. You might have an indoor or outdoor swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. These can leak as well. Personal you list to include anywhere or anything that is associated with water and make sure it is on your list whether you inspect on your own or have someone to do it for you. Always, always look for any signs of mold if you find anywhere water has been where it should not have been Mold can cause as much damage to your home as the water itself if it is left to grow and spread.