Your home is one of the most important investments you will ever make. In order to protect that investment, it is essential to ensure that the potential for water damage is minimal. Unfortunately, water damage is one of the most dreaded things a homeowner could ever experience. It can destroy many things, and the side effects, such as mold, can be just as damaging.

Water is essential but can sometimes be disastrous and severely damage our house. Water damage in Fort Worth can lead to several long-term damage problems, like ruined structural integrity, mold, mildew, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the source of the damage before beginning the cleanup process to protect your health and safety.

Determining how best to deal with water damage can be challenging and frustrating. We’ve outlined ten methods to prevent and repair water damage in your home to facilitate the restoration process.


Here are some ways to prevent & repair water damage in your home

1. Identify and fix the problem

Find the source of the water. For instance, close the supply line valve if it’s the wrong line behind the toilet or under the sink. Repair it with pipe tape, epoxy putty, or a clamp kit if it’s a leaking pipe. Moreover, if you can’t identify the issue, turn off your house’s main water supply, and call a professional.

There are several ways water damage can be caused. Here are some of the most common:

  • Severe weather
  • Air conditioner condensation
  • Leaking pipes or water heaters
  • Broken sprinkler system
  • Washing machine supply line leak
  • Clogged gutters

2. Dry the Location ASAP

It’s essential to act fast when repairing home water damage. Bacteria and mildews can grow in at least 24 hours if the water is left standing in one spot. Remove all the furniture and place fans on the wet flooring and walls to dry out the affected region. If the water damage is comprehensive, you may need to contact Water Damage Restoration Near me to ensure the area dries completely.

3. Inspect your roof

The roof of a home is a common cause for water damage. It is essential to periodically inspect your roof for cracked, missing shingles, or damaged areas where it appears water can get in. Repairing this early will give you the security of knowing your house is safeguarded from water damage during the rain and snow. Periodic checking on your roof is an excellent way to make sure your home is safe from water damage.

4. Pay attention to your appliances.

Homeowners commonly forget this tip. Unfortunately, the hoses on your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator ice machine become loose and can wear out over time. It can ultimately cause leaking, leading to water damage to your walls and floors. Regularly checking the hoses for leaks or cracks will allow you to avoid further damage.

5. Get Furniture Off the Ground

Use bricks or other non-porous items to raise your desk, couch, and other furniture off the ground. You can also place furniture outside to dry if you live in a sunny area. However, if you have soaked furniture, you should say goodbye to that, as porous materials are susceptible to water damage and can devise mildew.

6. Monitor Your Water Pressure

Don’t just pay your water bill every month without checking it first: Check your record for anything abnormal, like usage. After that, compare these needs in water supply with past bills to decide if they make sense. Buy or install an electronic water leak direction system directly on your home’s major water supply line. The sensors will monitor temperature, water flow, and pressure. Some systems will shut off the water flow when leaks are determined.

7. Remove Damaged Porous Materials

Porous materials can’t be fixed after exposure to moisture. These kinds of materials soak water and shrink, warp, or swell. As a result, these materials are often subject to mold growth even after drying. Porous materials include:

  • Fabric
  • Carpet
  • Insulation
  • Drywall
  • Wood
  • Unsealed Cement

Parts of these materials that have absorbed moisture must be cut out and thrown away.

8. Replace Drywall

Start by inspecting your drywall for damage. Drywall sags, bulges, or hangs over 3/8ths of an inch should be removed and replaced. However, small molded or damaged drywall areas can be cut out and fixed.

9. Re-caulk

After replacing any damaged flooring, reseal it with fresh caulk to avoid future water damage problems. Early restorations and maintenance can play a significant role in preventing water damage in your home. Moreover, it can also point to a more substantial problem.

10. Know when to call the professional

Repairing a home can become a big project after water damage. It even poses personal safety threats. Cleanup after a spill can expose you to harmful pathogens. If you have doubts about doing it yourself, call a water damage restoration company in Arlington.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Harmful is Water Damage to a House?

From mold to compromised foundations and frames, water damage can cause several serious, underlying problems.

  • How Long Does it Take for Water Damage to Show?

Sometimes you can see the water damage instantly, but on the other hand, it takes hours or days for the damage to become observable. Therefore, acting quickly and safely is essential to ensure your house and health aren’t at risk from exposure.

  • What to do if you find water damage in your home?

If any wet areas are left, use dehumidifiers or fans to dry them out. You can even use your air conditioner to remove humidity. You should call industrial water extractors to help remove the water in floods.

  • How long can water damage last?

Generally, it takes 72 hours for any affected location to dry up thoroughly, but this applies on a room-to-room basis. More prominent places affected by water damage take a longer time to dry. However, you must follow exact protocols to reinstate your home to its pre-damage state.

Conclusion

Repairing water damage is a substantial task, but it’s essential to perform the job perfectly. If you don’t have the necessary tools and experience to complete significant repairs, it’s best to contact a professional.

Hopefully, now you know the causes and potential consequences of water damage. If your home or business has suffered from water damage, the United Cleaning and Emergency Restoration Services team can assist you. We provide professional water damage restoration services throughout the Metroplex from Fort Worth to Dallas and north to Denton. Moreover, we work with insurance companies to make the claims process smooth, helping you get back on your feet as soon as possible. So contact us today and get the best water damage restoration services.