The ins and outs of preventing water damage at your residence

A common enemy for a homeowner is water damage. Many aspects of a home can be fragile, and water is as invasive as any pest, and can do just as much damage. There are ways to prevent water damage, and every good owner knows how to watch out for signs of trouble. When water damage does occur, the repairs can be costly. Many other aspects of a house get ruined when water is involved, so it pays to be vigilant. Keep an eye out for several of these common locations where water damage could happen.

Watch the bathroom and kitchen

It may not come as a surprise that the bathroom and kitchen are two hotspots for water damage. Several areas in a bathroom need to be checked.

Immediately around the toilet can be an easy place for a leak to appear. Most are caused by faulty valves and supply lines, and if a talented plumber isn't around sometimes the only way to spot a problem is when water starts to appear. Because of this, check the toilet regularly for signs of failing parts. Stopping a leak quickly, before it becomes water damage, is crucial to preventing expensive repairs. After flushing, wait until the bowl refills completely. If it isn't, there might be a problem with the fill valve. Check inside the tank for signs of broken parts, and have them fixed promptly if any do appear.

If a homeowner is suspicious that there might be problems with a house, it is beneficial to have a property inspection performed. A qualified professional can spot many problems regarding home safety, and catching them early or before a sale can save money. Fixing any problems can also increase the home's value when considering refinancing.

Another spot to watch out for in the bathroom or kitchen is the sink. According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, water damage from a sink cost more than $7,000 per incident, on average. Double check all pipes for corrosion, and look for any kinks or imperfections.

Fixing any damage quickly and correctly

If an inspector spotted some water damage, there are ways to repair it that will ensure that the job is done well and affordably.

SI Restoration, a water damage repair company, recommends that all items near the water damage be immediately removed before any repairs are attempted. If they are not damaged, leaving personal affects nearby could result in them becoming soaked. It also creates a clear workspace, either for a motivated homeowner, a professional plumber, or a repair crew.

It is a common misconception to try to remove any damaged goods. It is actually better to leave them in place, as restoration experts have a better chance of fixing any problems if the affected areas are untouched. For example, don't tamper with any electronics near water damage, in order to avoid the risk of electrocution. Only if there is immediate danger caused by the water damage should power to that area be cut off, SI Restoration added. It is best to leave dangerous situations untouched.

Take care of any damage quickly, since the price of repairs increases the longer a problem is ignored. Some of the most common areas affected are carpets and floors, ceilings, furniture, and personal belongings. Mold will also grow if water damage isn't taken care of, which creates a whole new set of problems for a homeowner.

Check the roof frequently, as they are one of the most common locations for water damage to start, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety survey. A professional property inspection can spot any safety concerns with a home, and catch possible water damage before it even occurs.