Learn How Hidden Water Leaks Become Drastic Repairs

04 Oct Learn How Hidden Water Leaks Become Drastic Repairs

Everybody, whether it be homeowner or renter ,has had or will have a water leak in their house. Sometimes the source is obvious. Too often, hidden water leaks become major repairs.

Water damage can often be a sign that there’s a leak somewhere. Knowing what to look for can help save thousands in preventative repairs.

Five years prior, this homeowner had custom stair railings put in. An installer had inserted a screw into the hot-water pipe leading to the upstairs shower. This was how a hidden leakage became a significant repair in the next five-years.

Water dripped down the shower pipe, into the stair wall, and under the new wood flooring. Water seeped into the bathroom, into the entryway landing and then into the lower level. It continued to flow up into the hallway, into the kitchen wall, and onto the flooring.

Seepage also caused damage to the platform base and ceiling holding the A/C unit.

Could this leak be detected earlier? Absolutely.

Other, more obvious signs that the homeowner didn’t notice were bubbling paint along the stairway walls. Worse, over the past month, the homeowner noticed that wooden flooring under the entryway landing began to’squish’ underfoot. It was almost like walking on a wet bed. The homeowner thought the wood flooring was being de-laminated from the tile base. However, the homeowner noticed that the wood flooring felt squishy underfoot. Hidden water leakage had turned out to be a serious repair.

A closer examination revealed a faint, soggy bubble in the walls above and below the baseboards. Dark wood flooring was stained with darker spots.

After ruling out potential culprits like the water heater and A/C unit, and finding these other indicators the plumber was able trace the leak to the pipe located in the upstairs walls.

Hidden leaks: How to locate them and signs to watch out for

You must first know what to inspect for hidden leaks. Then, you need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of water damage that you should look out for. Many water leaks happen around the failure of mechanical systems in homes. If there had been no problem with the water heater, or with the failing A/C unit pipes, the homeowner would have known that water damage was happening above and beneath these systems. As evidenced by the blackened ceiling and rotting bottom of the water heater closet,

• Have a look at your water bill. A leak could be a problem if you have an increase in water consumption.
• Check for any damage to older appliances, water heaters, or HVAC systems.
• You should inspect toilet bases, under sinks, as well inside cabinets.
• Check outside faucets, and make sure you test sprinkler systems.

You can get alerted to leaks in your water bill. But, other leaks could be happening during heavy rains. During rains, indoors and outdoors, are the best times to inspect.

• You should inspect wall surfaces and look for areas that appear to be bubbled or have a soft, crumbly texture.
• Flaking, peeling, or coloration of paint around windows, doors and fireplaces could indicate a problem with the roof, flashing, siding, or repair.

A squishy floor and dark wet patches should have raised alarm for the owner. Regular inspections of ceilings or lower walls would have shown a hidden leak earlier, before water seeped into adjoining areas and caused major water damage.

Routine maintenance can reduce the risk of more obvious water damage caused by hidden leaks. Leakage, poor drainage, and clogged downspouts or gutters can cause serious water damage inside a house and even extend to the roof and siding. For leaves, twigs, or other debris that can hinder drainage, it is a good idea to schedule roof cleaning. To prevent roof contact during high winds, trim trees frequently.

Water intrusions from storms and other damages should be treated immediately. Dry all affected areas completely by using air circulation to speed up the drying process.

Cover exposed exterior areas with a sheet of tarp to stop water infiltration. You can minimize the risk of mold growth by covering any exposed areas. Take down any furniture that is still in water.

Insurance and Water Damage

Once you’ve determined the extent and the amount your deductible is, you might contact your insurance agent to initiate the claims process.

The Difference between Flood Insurance & Homeowners Insurance

Both policies provide different types of coverage which can be used in conjunction with each other, but not simultaneously. The homeowners’ policy does NOT cover flood damage.

Homeowners insurance. Most policies include coverage for damage to your home that is caused by a sudden, accidental water event like a burst pipe. Water damage due to poor maintenance such as clogged gutters, roof leaks, inadequate ventilation, or neglecting to repair is not usually covered by insurance.

Flood Insurance. While your homeowners’ policy does not cover water damage to your home or its contents, you can get flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Both homeowners and renters can get this insurance for their personal and business properties. Usually, it is in effect within 30 working days. Cost of insurance will vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, which coverage is selected, and the property’s flood risk.

You should have a number to call for claims. Most insurance companies require that you inform them in writing about what has happened.

Here are some tips to make your claim process easier:

• Make sure you review your policy to make sure you know what is covered and what is not. Ask your agent if you aren’t sure.
• Be prepared to provide details about the damage and have the policy number available before calling the insurance company.
• You should photograph or film any personal property that is damaged before you attempt to repair it.
• Save all personal items that were removed from your dwelling until you receive an insurance adjuster’s approval.
• Do the necessary repairs to keep your property and dwelling safe. But, don’t do major structural or permanent work until you have insurance approval.
• Keep a log of all personal repairs, along with receipts.
• Keep a log listing all people you have spoken with at your insurance company. Notify the time, date and name of each person you spoke with, as well as what was discussed. Keep a copy of all written communications and confirm important details.

You can protect your home from water damage due to hidden leaks

It is possible to lose thousands of dollars and have your home damaged beyond repair. This is why standard homeowners insurance rarely covers it. Water Damage Defense says that 75% of water heaters are not functional by the age of twelve years. Additionally, approximately 14,000 homeowners suffer water damage every day, at an average expense of $7,000 per claim.

Check your home regularly for water leaks. You should inspect your home for water stains on the ceilings, walls, or around windows following rain.

You should establish a maintenance program to inspect these sources of water damage on a daily basis. Contact a service company if you have any questions.

• Hot Water Heaters. Hot Water Heaters may rust or develop cracks. Each year, inspect hot water heaters for signs of rust and deterioration. Verify that water is draining from the drain pan and that the drain line to the overflow pan does not become clogged. Clean the water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Garbage disposal. Routinely examine for cracks or any other source of leakage.
• Drain lines for A/C. Damage occurs when the line that drains condensate from the evaporator cells becomes clogged or water overflows from a drip pan. You can check the drip pan periodically for water. An annual service call may be necessary to reduce the buildup algae and mold.
• Indoor and exterior pipes and faucets. Regularly inspect indoor pipes, sinks, and lower internal cabinets for leaks, rust or signs of deterioration. Protect outdoor faucets from freezing and breaking, seal cracks in exterior walls and insulate supply lines.
• Broken appliance hoses. These are some of the most common causes for water damage. Inspect the hose fittings of washing machines, icemakers and dishwashers every so often for cracks, bulges, deterioration, and kinks. Standard rubber washing machine hoses should be replaced every two to five years, or more frequently if they start showing signs of wear. For a longer lifespan, you might consider steel-reinforced washer hoses.
• Toilets, bathtubs and sinks. Because the leak is not easily visible, water damage can occur around toilets, showers and sinks. Make sure to have a watertight caulk seal around tubs. You may notice cracks in grout or mold on caulk. You should remove all grout and caulk. Clean and dry the surface well before applying new caulk. You shouldn’t add new grout or caulk on top of existing materials.
• Ceilings, attics, and ceilings. Regularly inspect for wet insulation or water stains.
• Wallpaper. Check out bubbling, peeling and water stains.
• Roofs. Decay can cause roof damage and water seepage. Tree branches should be trimmed to avoid them coming in direct contact with the roof. Repair damaged or missing shingles and tiles. Seal vents and skylights around chimneys. Inspect metal flashing to make sure there are no cracks, holes or other damage. You can either replace flashing or seal any holes with silicone caulk.
• Use rain gutters or downspouts to direct rainwater away. Make sure gutters are clear. Also, ensure that downspouts reach the foundation long enough to remove water. Rainwater can pool on your roof if it is clogged up with leaves and other debris. This can cause damage to your roofing material and eaves.
• Sump Pumps. Water pumps are the first line defense against water in basements. Check the sump every so often and clean out any debris. You can protect your basement with a battery-powered backup.
• Water holes. Water holes are cracks in brick walls at the foundation that allow water to escape. These cracks must not be sealed or blocked.
• Landscape. yards should slope away to the house to keep puddling near the foundation, under piers and beam houses. Do not allow sprinklers to soak the exterior. French drains placed around the perimeter can prevent pooling.
• Hydro Jetting. Hydro Jetting. It all depends on the age of your pipes. Sometimes, sewer pipes become very clogged from debris and root systems. Hydro jetting can clear blockages that traditional methods are unable to remove in such cases.
• Water Cop. Water Cop gives your home 24-hour indoor flood protection. It is compatible with wireless and wired flood sensors, wall switches, as well most home security systems and home automation systems.

There are other things you should know

• Locate the water valves. Find out where the main valve is and how to turn it off.
• Keep an eye on utility bills. A water leak could be detected if you have a high water bill.
• Turn off the water before you go. Turn off water at main valve or major appliances.
• Leave a key to your house and contact information for a neighbor or trusted friend. The person can then inspect your home regularly while you are gone.