SIGNS OF WATER LEAKS
Before we reveal the five sources, it’s first helpful to know signs that your house might have a water leak. In addition to obvious signs such as seeing stagnant water or a water mark on a wall, other signs of water leaks include:
- Mold or mildew growth.
- An unusually high water bill.
- A warm spot on the floor, which could signal a hot water pipe leak. (This is especially common on concrete slab floors.)
- The sound of water running when nothing is turned on.
- Foul odors emanating from floors, walls, drains or sewers.
- Cracks in your home’s foundation. (This could also be caused by frost heave.)
CAUSES OF WATER LEAKS
Here are five causes of water leaks–and how you (or your plumber) can get a handle on them.
The source: Your outdoor hoses
The cause: Weak connections or frost damage can cause leaks.
The fix: Inspect the connection at the spigot for any loose connections; if you notice a loose connection, replacing the washer can ensure a tighter fit. (Tightening with a wrench and pipe tape is another option.) If that doesn’t work and you have in-ground irrigation, it’s possible freezing weather damaged things. Call a professional for help with this one. (And always make sure to drain water out of your hose bibto prevent frozen pipes.)
The source: Your dishwasher
The cause: Leaks happen when water pools or the door doesn’t shut right.
The fix: A simple door leak can be fixed by replacing the dishwasher’s gasket, tightening the hose connection and checking to make sure you’re using the right detergent for your dishwasher. If leaks are still happening, call a pro.
The source: Your air conditioner or HVAC system
The cause: Some reasons why air conditioners leak include wrong installation, ice accumulation on the indoor evaporator and poor drainage.
The fix: A few DIY actions you can take include changing the air filter about every other month, making sure the condensate line is free of kinks and obstructions and investing in a dehumidifier if you notice condensation on your unit. Still, you’ll probably want to call a heating and cooling professional if you notice that your AC isn’t running well or leaking.
The source: Your refrigerator
The cause: The copper pipe that brings in water to make ice might have an unsecure connection somewhere. Other causes include a clogged drain hole (the passage that whisks away water from ice making operations). If your fridge is in an unheated garage, basement or porch, excess condensation could be forming when the heat from the motor mixes with the cold air.
The fix: You can try to tighten any loose connections by hand or with a wrench. If cold air is the culprit, seriously consider moving your fridge into a heated area of your home. If you suspect the drain hole, pour in a mild mixture of soapy water and ammonia followed by water to flush it out. If this doesn’t work, call a professional.
The source: Your washing machine
The cause: Weak washing machine hoses can break while seals on front-loading machines can wear out over time.
The fix: Replace your washing machine hose about every five years (make sure to buy a tough reinforced steel-braided hose) and replace the gasket on your front-loading door if it looks worn or permits any water to leak.
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What to consider when choosing a fire and damage restoration company
Certified experts
It is imperative to make certain that the company in question has all the required state and local certifications to complete the restoration job. These certifications should also be up-to-date.
• Certification: Look for credentials from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, also known as the IICRC, for well-trained fire and water damage experts.
• Sub-certifications: The IICRC has additional specializations such as mold remediation or structural and commercial Drying. Ask the company for details about their sub-certifications.
• Restoration vs. reconstruction: Note that the IICRC refers to restoration, not reconstruction. If the damage is to severe that contractors are required to partially or completely rebuild/reconstruct properties, make sure that they have all the proper local licenses and certifications necessary.
Experience
Every disaster is unique and requires the utmost care. If a company begins operating from the wrong starting assumptions, it can prolong or completely derail the restoration project unnecessarily.
• Relevant experience: Make sure that the company providing restoration has dealt with many previous situations that are similar to the current task at hand. For example, standing water from a flood could become contaminated with chemicals or substances that make it a biohazard. Make sure the company knows what they are dealing with before they come out to avoid added confusion that slows down the job.
• Comprehensive evaluations: Don't hold back any information. Even details that don't seem to be significant initially can greatly impact the company's professional evaluation of the restoration requirements or the extent of structural damage.
Asset protection
Different kinds of materials - such as furniture, computers, floors, etc. - require different treatments under very specific timetables.
• High-priority assets: Decide which assets have the highest priority and then look for the company that specializes in that particular area.
• Practicality: Replacing property or recreating data may be less expensive than restoration. Don't compromise your practicality.
• Pre-inspection reports: Some types of leases require a pre-inspection report by qualified restoration personnel to establish insurability levels.
Time to recovery
Hours, and sometimes minutes, can make all the difference in what is recoverable. Make sure the company will be ready the moment disaster strikes.
• Rapid response: The first few hours after a disaster can make all the difference in terms of what is recoverable. Look for rapid response times. Also critical, is advice on what to do immediately and what needs attention within the first 24 hours.
• Schedules: Look for a company that can give a full, detailed schedule of steps that they will need to perform before an estimated completion date.
• Variable costs: Be prepared for costs to vary greatly based on factors that aren't obvious at first, such as structural damage and the extent of smoke damage.
Storage facilities
Some restoration companies offer storage facilities. Find out how much space the company has to house your undamaged assets and what their storage rates are.
• Storage conditions: Make sure that storage facilities are nearby and adequate in terms of factors like temperature control and security.
• Packing services: Ask if they provide packing services, which means that they can thoroughly clean property before packing it up and putting it into the company's storage facility.
• Record keeping: Make sure to take photographic records of the condition of your property before it goes into storage.
Referrals
Ask for names of commercial or governmental agencies that the company has worked for and look for referrals.
• Referral limitations: Don't discount a company just because its referrals aren't perfect. Some items simply aren't restorable, and that fact creates disappointment.