Tag Archives: Water Leaks

Water Leak Detection

Leak detection device

Leak detection device

Water leaks can cause extensive damage to your home and potential health risks.  In a matter of minutes, a burst pipe or hose can flood a room with several gallons of water. Slow and undetected leaks can also cause significant damage and oftentimes harmful mold and bacteria growth.

We hear regularly from folks who have had the unfortunate event of failed plumbing or hot water heaters. The process to demo, dry out, clean, and reconstruct a home as a result of water damage is messy, time consuming, and costly.

Ask any home insurance provider and they will tell you how expensive these kinds of home repairs can be. Unless it’s a sudden and unexpected occurrence, often homeowner’s insurance will not cover the cost of repairs. Slow leaks in hidden areas like crawl spaces, attics, and closets can go undetected for a long time.

Detecting a leak quickly is key to minimizing damages. One of the simplest and inexpensive ways to help avoid this kind of problem is to have a leak detection alarm. These inexpensive devises can be placed in many locations where a leak is likely to happen including under sinks and near hot water tanks and washing machines. It won’t help if the problem is somewhere in the walls or difficult to access, but many times damages are caused by a failed water line to the refrigerator, a burst washing machine hose, or leaking hot water tank.

After receiving an unusually high number of calls this fall from customers needing water damage related repairs, it really got me thinking about looking into something to help protect my own home. I live in an upper level condo. If I have a water leak I am not only responsible for my home, but if it causes damage to the unit below me, I am responsible for their repairs too. My hot water tank is hidden behind a panel in a closet in the spare bedroom and has always been a worry. If this fails, it could easily cause significant damage to my unit and the unit below.

Purchasing the Watchdog Water Alarm at Home Depot has got to be the best $10 I have spent in a long time and could potentially save thousands of dollars in home repairs. I decided to purchase two and placed one by the washing machine (also in another out of sight location) and the other in the pan where the hot water tank sits. It may not help if I’m not home or some other plumbing fixture or piping fails, but these two locations have the highest risk of failing in my home. I feel much better knowing I have increased my chances measurably of detecting a leak quickly and before it becomes an expensive home repair.

I wanted to share this with all of you too. Do yourself a favor and play it safe!

If you need the services of a contractor who specializes in water, smoke, and sewage damage, we can help. We have trusted emergency responders in our network who specialize in restoring your home from damage caused by water, fire, and sewage.

Top 5 Things To Do Before Vacation

Returning home after a well-deserved break, only to discover a flooded laundry room or kitchen is not how most people want to end their vacation. Follow these simple steps to avoid coming home to a big mess and costly repairs.

1.  Turn off the water

Water leaks can cause devastating damage to your home in a short amount of time. A failed hose connection, plumbing fixture, pipe fitting, or appliance can leak gallons of water in no time, resulting in costly repairs.

  • Turn the main water supply off completely unless someone will be watering plants or pet sitting in your absence. Turn off the individual water supply to sinks, toilets, and washing machine.

Most hoses that come standard with new washing machines are low quality, often lasting less than five years. High quality burst proof replacement hoses, such as those available at Floodchek, can be purchased for around $40. This small investment can potentially save thousands of dollars in damages.

2. Unplug appliances and electronics

Defective household appliances, electronics, and wiring can be a fire hazard. Some are also prone to damage from power surges. In addition to fire risk and damage they can draw power and waste electricity, even when not in use.

  • Unplug kitchen appliances and household electronics like the TV, DVD player, and computer.
  • Ensure electrical outlets are not overloaded.
  • Replace damaged or frayed electrical cords, plugs, and power strips.
  • Turn down heat or air-conditioning to conserve energy or turn it off completely if practical.

3. Secure your home

Nothing speaks louder to a potential intruder than an overgrown lawn or newspapers piled on the porch. Secure your home by taking some simple steps to make it look lived in during your absence.

  • If you have a home security system, contact the service provider with the dates you will be gone and how best to reach you in case of emergency. Instruct the house sitter how to operate the system.
  • Place a hold on mail and newspaper delivery. Visit the United States Postal Service website to cease mail delivery for the dates you specify.
  • Ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye out for door flyers or packages. If possible, ask the neighbor to park their car in your driveway.
  • If leaving garbage bins out to be emptied, arrange for someone to remove them from the curb once the garbage is collected.
  • Arrange for the grass to be cut in your absence.
  • Store tools and ladders out of sight and lock outdoor shed or storage area.
  • Remove outdoor spare keys.
  • Keep trees and bushes trimmed away from windows and doorways.
  • Install timers for interior and exterior lights and set them to mimic your regular habits.
  • Ensure all windows and doors are locked, including basement windows and the door from the garage leading into the house.
  • Move expensive electronics, jewelry, etc out of sight from windows and doors. Secure valuables in a home safe or safe deposit box.
  • Leave a house key, contact information, and itinerary with a friend or neighbor.
  • Notify the local police station with your plans so they can include your home on their neighborhood watch list.

4. Think before sharing

Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have made it easier than ever to publicly share personal information. It is very popular to share pictures and personal information of where we are, who we are with, and what we are up to. This information can then be shared with friends of friends, potentially hundreds or more often complete strangers.

  • Think twice before publicly sharing pictures and trip highlights on social media while you are gone on vacation. It might be better to play it safe and wait until you return home.
  • Keep the same greeting on your home phone and turn off the ringer. A ringing phone left unanswered is a tip to an intruder that no one is home.

5. Last but not least

  • Throw out all perishable items in the refrigerator.
  • Take out the trash, making sure lids are secure on outdoor garbage.
  • Water plants (indoor and outdoor).
  • Have a worry free vacation!

 

Home Emergency Services, Mold Remediation – Post 5 of 6

Winter Storm Damages

Winter Storm Damages

Mold can cause health problems and deteriorate building materials. Water leaks in attics, crawl spaces, and basements are not always noticeable until mold is present. If you discover mold, or believe you have a mold problem, it is important to have the area inspected and any toxic mold removed by a certified professional. Our full service mold remediation professionals are trained to detect if mold is present, eliminate the source of the mold growth, and follow a specialized and highly effective mold removal process.