Whether you rent or own your home, you’ve probably found yourself lying awake at night listening to the drip, drip, drip of water and wondering a.) where it was coming from? and b.) how bad it might be when you finally figure it out.

Perhaps you awoke to a flooded kitchen due to a leaking dishwasher or washing machine, a puddle of water, and a hole in the ceiling due to a burst pipe.

Water damage in the home is costly for insurance companies, and it may be expensive for you if you have a water meter or need to hire a plumber to fix the problem.

While you can’t prevent all leaks, you can take precautions to reduce the risk of significant damage to your home or bank account.

Leaks are sometimes more evident than a constant drip that keeps you awake at night, and they are usually much more subtle until the drip turns into a flood, which is why detecting them early is critical.

If you are in Alexandria and looking for a professional, check these out first.

Investigate Pipe Leaks

Water leaks can occur from internal and external sources, including your roof. Pipe leaks are common internal water leaks that result from excessive internal pressure or a pipe misalignment.

Turning off your home’s water supply before observing your water meter for an hour or so is a quick test for pipe leaks. If you notice significant changes, it is most likely the result of a pipe leak in your home.

To avoid leaks, it is recommended to actively prevent debris from entering drainage pipes. Human hair and food waste are frequently swept into your drain for convenience. However, because these pipes are not garbage cans, they become clogged with debris. When water flows through it, this increases the pressure exerted on its parts.

Examine the area for any foreign objects or debris.

Most homes have waterproofing systems that include fall design, which directs any fallen water away from your home as quickly as possible. However, landing foreign objects or debris would be a weakness of such designs. This is especially true for fallen leaves along the pathway or in designated drainage areas. This debris clogs the drainage path, slowing water flow away from your home.

Ponding occurs when water moves more slowly than planned. Ponding is the formation of water pools on your home’s surface. These bodies of water put a lot of strain on your home’s waterproofing system. They allow constant water seepage into your home if given enough volume or time.

Given debris’s danger to your home, you should clear fall paths regularly.

Examine Your Ceiling and Walls

There are several symptoms to look out for in the early stages of water seepage. Any yellowing or browning on your surfaces indicates heavy dampness on the hidden side. Water typically accumulates in dark spaces behind your walls when it enters your home. As a damp environment is created, it becomes fertile ground for mold growth, which facilitates decay. When the materials in your walls begin to deteriorate, they turn yellow or brown.

If you have a layer of paint on your walls, it will most likely flake or become dull due to this process. As a result, if you find dried paint on your floor and a change in color in your walls, your walls will likely suffer from water damage.

A moisture monitor is a more advanced method of testing your ceiling and walls. You can use this device to measure the amount of moisture in the environment. You can then determine if excessive dampness has accumulated behind your walls by comparing this reading to the average moisture reading in your area.

Lookout for Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, and some types of mold can grow in as little as 24 hours. Mold and mildew are likely to grow in constantly wet areas, which could be signs of a water leak.

Mold is hazardous to one’s health because it causes respiratory problems. Mold spores are released into the air and, when inhaled, can cause serious health problems in the lungs.

Mold is often smelly, with a musty odor. If it’s forming in an area you can’t see, you might notice the smell first.

Be Mindful of Building Deterioration

Because concrete is a porous material, it will eventually become severely damaged if it is not adequately waterproofed. Compared to poorly waterproofed concrete, which will likely only last a few years before needing repair, smart balcony membrane waterproofing can extend the concrete life to between 25 and 50 years.

If the building’s structures are damaged, they can become very dangerous to occupy, which is a severe problem. The wood or metal structurally holding the building together will rot or rust, which will be both time-consuming and costly to repair.

When to Call a Professional?

Discovering leaks is never fun, especially when the water source is difficult to find. A bubble in your ceiling, watermarks on the drywall, and recurring pooling water are all signs that you have a water problem that needs to be addressed.

Who do you call?

Call Harry Braswell Inc. Waterproofing team! 

Harry Braswell Inc. makes water-resistant surfaces throughout the home and property due to settling, hydrostatic pressure, or seepage. Waterproofing specialists are best suited to help channel/direct water trying to enter the home from outside.

They can help with foundation repairs, bowing walls, cracks, and settling and sump pump issues.

While a waterproofing specialist can install pipes, these will typically be used to channel outside water. A drain tile, for example, is a network of pipes that connect to the sump pump and drain water away from the house.

While it is okay for us to DIY when it comes to repairs, professionals are more likely to give solutions to your water problems. If you need help with when to call a waterproofing professional, conduct some simple tests first and assess whether the problem can be solved through DIY or needs a professional.