Water damage can wreak havoc on your home, causing mold, mildew, and structural problems. Clean up can be costly, and your family may be temporarily displaced. Some types of water damage, such as flooding, are difficult to prevent, but you can take steps to detect other, more insidious types of water infiltration. 

Check for Drips and Leaks

One effective way to check for leaks is to turn off the water valve and then see if your water meter is still running. If it is, then you know you have a possible problem. Also, actually check your water bill. If you notice an unexplained spike in water usage, then you may have acquired a serious leak. You will need to be your own leak detective or hire a plumber to find the source of the problem. 

Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes can be quite expensive since the damage they do is often hidden until a serious problem has already occurred. If you notice stains on the ceiling, some pipes from a second-floor bathroom could be leaking. Cracking and buckling floors are another sign that a pipe is leaking somewhere in the vicinity. Sometimes, your sense of smell will alert you to a leak. If you have cleaned an area but it still smells musty, you probably have a leak that is causing both structural damage and mold and mildew accumulation. The damage can be expensive to repair, but the mold and mildew is a health hazard that can cause respiratory problems. You will need to hire professionals to rid your home of these dangerous substances. Emergency water removal crews can handle both the necessary water removal as well as the mold and mildew removal.

Automatic Shut-off System

One way to detect leaking water before it causes too much damage is to install an automatic shut-off system. These systems have sensors that are installed on the floor, and when they detect water, they send a signal to the main shut-off valve to stop the water flow. These systems require professional installation and can be expensive. They also respond to moisture not caused by leaks, meaning your water may shut off when it is not necessary. However, for many people, they prevent the need for expensive repairs due to water damage. 

Your home can suffer from various types of water problems. Some water damage is weather-related and difficult to prevent. However, other water damage can be limited by running your own regular checks and by installing a detection system. If you suspect a leak but are unable to find it yourself, contact a plumber. If damage has already been done to your home, hire a professional water removal crew (such as one from Walker's Carpet Care & Janitorial Services Inc) to return your house to a safe and livable place once again. 

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