Water leaks can spring up for several reasons. They are especially common in frosty weather, thanks to the effect that the cold has on the pipework. Every home does have intricate pipework running through it, and, unfortunately, in terms of preventative measures, there is very little that can be done.
However, in order to prevent as much damage as possible, water leaks need to be caught quickly. So, there are a few things that you should look out for this winter.
Spotting a Leak
There are several signs that can indicate that there is a leak in your home. The most common signs of a leak are pretty hard to miss. You might notice a damp patch on your wall or ceiling, which may or may not be accompanied by copious amounts of mould or bubbling. Another indicator of a leak is a sudden dip in your water pressure. If you notice either of these, then you need to take action in order to avoid damage.
What to Do Next
If you believe that you have a water leak in your home, then your next steps are very important. Firstly, you will need to find your stopcock and turn off the water to your property to prevent water damage while you locate and fix the leak, says Fergusons Plumbing. After you have turned off the stopcock, you should run the taps to rid the system of any remaining water.
If the leak is obvious, you can try to mop up the water, but it may not always be obvious. You then have some calls to make. You should first call a professional such as Miracle Leak Detection, that offers reliable and friendly leak detection in several locations across Britain. After that, you will need to call your home insurer and make them aware of the issue.
Preventing Leaks
Truthfully, it is difficult to prevent leaks because, as a homeowner, without particular knowledge of plumbing, you can’t really access or assess your plumbing system. Choosing to have both your plumbing and heating systems – as they are often linked – serviced regularly by a qualified plumber such as Dan’s Plumbing Info can help to catch issues before they progress.
If the winter is set to bring about particularly cold weather that puts your pipes at risk of freezing, then you should leave your heating on low. While it is costly to do this even when you aren’t home, it can help to keep your pipes from freezing and ensuing water leaks which would ultimately cost more to rectify. It is also worth ensuring that your pipes are insulated properly.
Consult Your Home Insurance Provider
If you are unfortunate enough to encounter a water leak, then depending on its cause, it is worth consulting with your home insurance provider. The cost of the repair may be covered, and depending on the provider, you might also be provided with dehumidifiers to dry out your home, as well as having the increase in electrical costs covered. Obviously, this will largely be contingent on your policy, so be sure to read the small print.
In Summary
While accidents will always happen, and there will be things outside of your control, there are several things that you can do to keep your home from getting damp. For the most part, this means menial maintenance tasks like ensuring that your home is properly ventilated and kept warm. You should also regularly clean your guttering as well as assess the structural integrity of your brickwork.
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