Water Leak? Check these spots in your Ulster County home | SERVPRO® of Kingston/New Paltz

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Water leaks can be tricky to locate, they might not be where you most commonly look!

Water leaks don’t always make themselves known in the sound constant dripping of water or puddles on the floor under the sink. You might notice a moldy-musty smell in the basement or perhaps your hardwood floors have started to buckle. Some only find out there is a leak somewhere in their home once they notice an unusually high water bill.

Because leaks can account for up to 10,000 wasted gallons of water a year, you will need to take care of them quickly. Additionally, mold growth is an unwelcome partner of an unnoticed leak and can start to grow and flourish quick. 

Take a look at these hints and make yourself a list of go-overs every fall and spring:

When trying to determine where your leak is located, checking the most obvious spots first will help you narrow your possibilities down by process of elimination. Here are some of the most common spots for water leaks:

1. The Bathroom

Between the sink, toilet and shower, there are options galore for water to leak. Check the seal around the base of the toilet, check for drips from the faucet and the pipes under the sink to rule the bathrooms out.

2. Around the Hot Water Heater

Because it is normal for hot water heaters to build up condensation through regular operation, leaks can be difficult to detect at first. Listen closely for a leaking sound when the unit is off and watch moisture levels carefully to determine if this is the culprit. Most of this normal condensation isn’t usually a high-enough humidity level to attract mold, so if you smell musty-ness, start looking for fuzzy-ness.

3. In the Basement

Most basements contain the majority of your home’s plumbing and water piping, so they are an important spot to check if you suspect a leak. Check the pipes thoroughly where they seal for any accumulated moisture. Basements are notorious for leaks, ground water, foundation cracks, pipe or sump pump back ups and a host of other piping and systems make this area a common location for problems.

4. Beneath and Behind Appliances

Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines, water dispensers, use a lot of water and are susceptible to leaks from damaged pipes. Check under and behind appliances regularly for moisture buildup.

5. Under the Kitchen Sink

Kitchen sinks, especially those equipped with garbage disposals, are notorious for leaking water into the cabinet underneath. There are many seals and connectors that can wear down with age, causing an unseen leak to hike your water bill up.

If you’ve discovered water damage or mold growth in your home, we’re here to help!  We have trained professionals and can restore water damage and handle mold remediation "Like it never even happened." Contact us today!