Few problems crop up at home that are more annoying or destructive than a water leak. Firstly, this is because water leaks are often difficult to spot, which can lead to them remaining undetected for days or even weeks. Naturally, a water leak that goes on for this length of time is almost inevitably going to cause a significant amount of damage to your home.
The problem with water is that it can get virtually anywhere, meaning it could damage anything from your floorboards and plasterwork to furniture, carpet, walls, or all of these.
Unfortunately, once damp sets in, eradicating it can be notoriously difficult – leading to big bills and no guarantee of success. In worst-case scenarios, people would no longer be able to live in their houses at the risk of injury from damaged structures or illness. Overall, damp can cause unhealthy living environments.
With this all being a real possibility, now is the time to turn your attention to what you can do about it. Here are some useful tips to consider implementing if your home has sprung a water leak.
Call an emergency plumber
Arguably the first and most vital action you should take when you have discovered a water leak in your home is to call an emergency plumber. This is because you will likely be unable to stop the leak immediately without prior expertise. You may also be confused about where the leak is stemming from. Thankfully, you can easily find a residential plumber Columbus OH based at a competitive price who can come out and solve the problem immediately.
Once this step has been taken, you will be far better able to make an educated decision about what to do next.
Make sure as little of your home is damaged as possible
The next step you need to take if your home has sprung a water leak is to assess the damage. This part may be distressing, but it is necessary to minimize the problem and make sure that your home is structurally sound. For example, rip up the carpet, pull back some plasterboard, or lift floorboards to trace the total distance that the water has traveled.
Of course, you don’t want to damage your home in the process if you can help it, so approach the situation logically. Start with the known source of the leak (if possible), and work your way out, tracking the flow of water. It is better to cause a short-term mess than to neglect the issue, as that will cause further problems down the line.
Consider replacing your carpets and other items
Finally, you need to deal with the aftermath of a damp problem. If water has seeped into your carpet, for example, it can cause a dreadful smell and actually become something of a health hazard to you and your fellow occupants. Therefore, you may need to rip up and replace your carpets, wallpaper, furniture, and even replaster your walls if they are damp.
