Where Can Water Damage Happen in My Home?

Drywall

If there’s a burst pipe in your home, it’s probably going to affect the drywall. The lower parts of the wall, in particular, are likely to suffer extensive damage if there’s a leaky pipe, or if you’ve been hit by excess rain or flooding.

You can’t assume that everything is okay once the water recedes. Mold and mildew can accumulate within the walls, so the problems may worsen even if the rest of your home is dry. Moisture can damage electrical wiring as well, so you should get all affected areas checked out sooner rather than later.

This article from Angi.com details the kinds of damage that can occur to your home if the presence of water is left unaddressed. 

Areas Below Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks

Looking for leaks? Go to where the water is! Slow drips from water or drain lines can go unnoticed for months at a time, so be cognizant of any musty odors. Because the areas below sinks tend to be dark and damp, it’s a good idea to periodically examine those spots with a flashlight to catch any trouble that might be brewing.

Other ways to protect your home include regularly checking your pipes' seals & caulking, and placing mats under your sinks. These mats are usually made of rubber, are impervious to water, and often can hold up to several gallons of water at a time.

Beneath A/C Units

Nothing drips like an air conditioner on a hot summer’s day, but if the drywall behind the unit remains dry, then that moisture isn’t a threat. If there’s excessive dripping, however, there may be a leak or clog in the drain line. Indoor HVAC units also have drain lines that are susceptible to clogging, so it’s advisable you have these checked the next time they’re serviced. 

Areas Around Toilets

Do you suffer from a wobbly toilet? If so, you’ll want to get that repaired as quickly as possible. While the cause could be something relatively minor like a failing wax ring at the base of the toilet, wobbling could be a sign that a leak is causing the wood to rot underneath.

A deteriorating connection between the toilet and the floor can cause water to leak into the floorboards, so a wobbling toilet is more than just an inconvenience — it could cause major water damage!

The Attic 

If your roof requires repair, one of the first places you’ll notice leakage is in the attic. There are other sources of potential damage in your attic as well, such as pipe and condensation line leaks so inspect that area regularly.

A good way to examine your roof’s health is to visit your attic on a sunny day. If daylight is visible, then your roof requires fixing. While you’re up there, check for signs of damage such as watermarks and unpleasant odors. 

The Gutters

Clean out your gutters! Yes, you’ve heard this refrain before, but clogged gutters are a major cause of leaks in your roof and walls. If you don’t clear your gutters of debris every spring and summer, rainwater won’t be able to flow freely off your roof and away from your home the way it should. The result could be standing water on the roof, seepage into the walls of your home, and even damage to your home’s foundation.

Appliances

For every load of laundry, approximately 15 to 30 gallons of water run through your washing machine. Older machines are prone to having pipes and hoses that leak, resulting in significant water damage.

Dishwashers are water-intensive appliances that rely on proper sealing to prevent moisture from seeping into the subfloor. You can’t see behind or beneath your dishwasher until it’s replaced, so be on the lookout for musty odors or soft spots on the floor nearby.

Tubs and Showers

You don’t have to suffer a major sink or tub overflow to experience the effects of water damage in your bathroom. Weak caulking around the edges of your tub or shower can result in a steady leak, so be aware of any buckling or cracking on your floor.

Bob Vila advises checking on the condition of the caulk that’s protecting your bathroom from the tub water. If it’s pulling away from the surface or is becoming discolored, replace it with new caulk as soon as you can. 

The Water Heater

A water heater can leak at any time, but older models are especially vulnerable. If you see water gathering around the bottom of your water heater, you should call a plumber for an inspection. Small leaks can be easily resolved but the longer you leave them, the more likely major repairs are going to be necessary. 

The Foundation

If your home became flooded either by a burst pipe or natural causes, removing the water and drying the home doesn’t mean you’re totally out of the woods. Concrete may be tough, but it’s a porous material, so there are plenty of spaces for water to invade and seep into your home’s foundation. 

Conclusion

There are several ways in which water damage can impact a home. Beyond the obvious causes such as floods and burst pipes, slow and steady leaks can result in issues that can go unnoticed for months at a time. To better protect your home, regularly inspect the areas that are most susceptible to water damage and don’t hesitate to call for professional help the moment a problem arises.

Sources

• https://www.angi.com/articles/how-fast-can-water-damage-ruin-home.htm
• https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/15-places-water-damage-may-be-hiding-in-your-home-52971