Hidden Spots for Household Water Damage

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Check places in your home for hidden water damage on a regular basis.

It’s common to associate water damage with flooding, but there are many other surprising reasons water damage can occur in a home—quite a few of which can occur in hidden locations.

Because water damage can become worse if left untreated, hidden water damage is especially insidious. Many homeowners’ policies do not provide coverage for water damage; when they do, a typical claim will be in the range of $7,000.

Knowing the surprising spots where water damage may be found and checking them regularly can go a long way in preventing complications.

Surprising Spots for Household Water Damage

• Inside cabinets: When sink pipes are inside cabinets, it’s easy for leaks to go unnoticed. Regularly check the piping to make sure you catch leaks before they cause damage.
• Near bathtub casings: The casing of the bathtub or shower is sealed with caulk around the edges, providing a barrier against leaks. However, if these have not been recaulked in a while, they can begin to falter.
• On structural elements: Drywall hides the structural elements of the home, but it can also hide water damage. Though ripping out drywall can be a chore, if there has been a busted pipe or a flood recently, it is wise to check behind it.
• Around seals in the roof: The vents of roofs are sealed to prevent water from entering, but the seals deteriorate over time. Check the roof at the start of spring and fall for signs of water.
• Within an HVAC unit: As the HVAC unit pulls moisture from the air, it typically drains it away. However, if there is an issue with any of the drain lines, this condensation can build up within the unit instead.
• Behind appliances: Appliances are rarely moved unless they are being replaced, but washing machines and dishwashers can also hide water leaks. Perform an inspection for any hidden damage every few months as a preventive measure.
• Around exterior faucets: Because outside faucets are connected within the walls of the house, leaks can easily hide. If the faucet is turned off and you still hear sounds of running water, there might be a hidden leak.

If you find water damage in your Boone or Story County home, give us a call right away, and we’ll be there quickly.