It’s raining, it’s pouring, and your house is leaking. What do you do? This easy guide will show you how to fix a water leaking home in no time. This includes the basics of finding and fixing a leak, as well as some preventative measures you can take to make sure your home stays dry. So don’t let the rain leave you soaked – read on for our easy guide to fixing water leaks!
Water leaks in a home are more common than you might think. Whether your home is new or old, there are various factors that can cause leaks, whether it’s roofs and cracks, or plumbing problems you can’t see.
If your home seems to be letting water in, here’s what you need to do to fix it.
Find The Source
This is easier said than done, but absolutely crucial. You can’t fix the leak without first figuring out where it’s coming from. Start by looking for obvious signs – any water seeping in through windows or doors, or signs of water damage on walls and ceilings. Once you’ve narrowed down the area that’s leaking – roofs, foundation cracks, plumbing issues – you can start to work on a solution. Remember that water will run along the path of least resistance, so the place you can see is wet is not necessarily exactly where the water is coming from. Do as much investigative work as possible to find the source of the leak, as this will also help you figure out which type of professional you need to get in.
Fix The Source
Now it’s time to fix the source of the leak. If it’s a plumbing problem, such as a broken pipe or old fixtures, then you might need to call in a plumber. If the leak is coming from your roof, then you’ll need a roofer. Look up a local roofer – such as Atlanta roofers – so you know you can all them back again in the future if you need to. And if it’s a foundation crack, then you may be looking at hiring a mason. Whatever the source, you’ll need to research and get a professional in to fix it for you.
It’s worth remembering that finding and fixing the source of a water leak is actually very tricky. It can sometimes take a few visits by a professional to work out where exactly the problem is coming from.
Check It’s Not Condensation or Damp
Before you start to panic about a water leak in your home, check that the problem is actually a leak and not condensation or damp. It might be that the windows are a little old and need updating, or that there’s too much humidity in the house and it’s causing condensation. If that’s the case, then a dehumidifier or better ventilation could be the key to fixing your problem. Sometimes a damp patch on a wall can look exactly like you imagine a water leak would look, so look at all possibilities carefully. Also make sure rooms that generate a lot of condensation – such as bathrooms and kitchens – are properly ventilated. Condensation from these rooms can travel to other parts of a home and cause problems. Remember that damp can cause health risks, so even if the source of excess water in your home isn’t due to a leak, you still need to rectify the issue.
Take Preventative Measures
Once your leak has been fixed and you’re back to a dry, healthy home, it’s time to take some preventative measures. Make sure your roof is regularly inspected and that any old fixtures or pipes are replaced before they cause a problem. Keep your gutters clean to make sure water can flow away from your home, and check that all windows and doors are sealed correctly. If you seem to have an emerging plumbing problem, then look at getting an inspection from a professional to make sure it doesn’t get worse.
Remember Your Basement
Many people think about water leaks as coming from the top of a home, usually through the roof. But it’s also worth considering your basement, as these are usually more vulnerable to water leaks due to their location. Make sure that you check any signs of damp or condensation in the basement and that your home is well-protected from any possible water ingress. Installing a sump pump can be a good option for added protection, as can regular checks of the exterior walls to make sure there aren’t any cracks or breaks.
Check Local Flooding Risks
Finally, you should also look at the flooding risks in your area. If you live in a low-lying area then it’s worth looking into what kind of protection you need to put in place. It could be as simple as getting sandbags, or it might require more extensive waterproofing measures. Knowing what flooding or water damage risks you face in your area can save a lot of trouble and money in the future. You may need to ensure there are channels around your home that can direct flood water away from your property. Take this seriously, as the cost and hassle of repairing flood damage can be significant.
By taking preventative measures, you can keep your home leak-free and make sure your home stays dry. So don’t let the rain leave you soaked. Get proactive and check up on your home regularly to make sure you don’t have any water leaks!
