Lurking Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Harlingen/San Benito

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to find the source.

Water is a powerful substance. It’s crucial for our life, but it can also do a lot of damage when it ends up in the wrong places. Water can be sneaky, too, hiding out in places you never look while the damages just get worse.

The good news is you can get to know some of the most common areas where water could be lurking so that you can take quick action to prevent extensive problems. When you regularly check some of the top locations, you can avoid mold growth and structural damages that often result when water is left to its own devices.

The roof. Keeping a close eye on your roof is crucial in preventing water damage that can run throughout your entire house, especially with all the small places water can sneak into.

The weather in our part of Texas is often warm, but it can also be severe frequently. Pick a mild day and get on your roof to inspect it, and then walk your property to look for damage after a strong storm moves out. Fix problems fast to avoid leaks and excess moisture.

Even if you can’t get on your roof, check your attic frequently. This is a prime spot for mold growth. Replace wet insulation and repair drips quickly to prevent its spread.

The bathroom. It shouldn’t come as a big surprise that a room where water is used constantly has a high risk of water damage. However, it can be hard to find actual problems because of the amount of water regularly used in the bathroom.

Get into the habit of checking under the sink, around the toilet and up against the tub weekly. Check for standing puddles, dripping sounds or persistent moisture. Your bathroom should dry out completely everyday, so if excess moisture is hanging around or your drains are running slowly, dig a little deeper as these are both indicators of bigger issues.

Appliances. As you build the habit of checking your bathroom fixtures, add checking under sinks and around large appliances at the same time. Your kitchen and laundry room can hide water damage under appliances that could persist long-term and result in extensive damages.

Pull out your refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine at least once a year and look for signs of mold or standing water. Clean around the base of these machines and feel for soft spots or drops of water. When your appliances are in use, listen for slow-running water and dripping. Watch for water in the wrong places as a sign of problems.

Replace your appliances every 10 years or so to avoid problems before they ever start.

If you do find problems or even suspect an issue, call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito. We will respond to your home quickly with the best tools and expertise in the industry so you get back to life as normal.

Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!