Are you dealing with damp issues, rotten walls or mould in your property? Have you got tell-tale signs of water damage but you’re struggling to track down the cause of the water leak? Not all water damage is caused by floods or an obvious burst water main.
Read on to learn some of the most common causes of water damage in modern homes.
1). Concealed leaking pipes
If you’ve got a burst pipe or a water leak under the sink, that’s easy enough to track down. However, not all leaks are that obvious. Sometimes the leak is small and is located behind a wall or in pipes running under the floor. Smaller leaks can go unnoticed for some time, with the only symptoms being dripping sounds or a slight drop in water pressure. They can, however, still do a lot of damage before they become visible
2). Leaking or overflowing appliances
Incorrectly fit appliances can overflow, or the pipes that plumb the appliance into your existing water and waste systems could leak. If you have a fitted kitchen and your dishwasher develops a small leak, you may notice musty odours from the damp, but not see other tell-tale signs of the leak until it has already done quite a lot of damage.
3). Clogged guttering
Gutters are designed to catch rainwater and direct it to downspouts that then send the water away from your property. If your gutters are clogged, this can cause them to overflow, and eventually lead to water pooling by the side of the property. This water can eventually penetrate the foundations, leading to cracking, mould growth and other damage.
One common symptom of this type of water damage is unpleasant smells around the house. This is from the mould and mildew that’s built up due to the dampness. Fixing this means, first of all, solving the cause of the water damage, then removing excess water/dampness with a dehumidifier, and treating the mould.
4). Backed-up septic tanks
Septic tanks must be cleaned regularly so they don’t overflow. A septic tank can become backed up if it’s not cleared regularly enough, or if you have a period of heavy rain. If you notice unpleasant smells or your septic tank backs up to the extent that sewage starts to overflow into your home through the drains, it’s vital you fix it quickly because this backed-up sewage can be a serious health hazard to you and your family.
5). Clogged air conditioners
HVAC systems are designed to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round. When they’re working properly, they’ll remove excess moisture from your home and pump it outside. For this to happen, the AC ducts must be kept clear. If they become clogged, water will build up in the ducts, then trickle down the walls and can damage them, as well as the floor if water is allowed to pool there.
The good news is this type of water damage is usually fairly well contained and easy to fix. Regularly replacing the filters and servicing your air conditioning can reduce the risk of this happening.
Track Down Leaks Before They Become a Problem
If you’ve noticed dampness, stains, or tell-tale bubbling of paint on your ceiling, it’s important to take steps to correct it before the leak becomes more serious. At Water Leak Detection, we offer leak detection services to help you track down leaking pipes hidden under floors or behind walls, so you can fix them quickly and with minimal fuss.
If you suspect you have a water leak, please call us at Water Leak Detection for a free consultation today on 1300 425 325 or leave an inquiry on our website.
