Fixing Water Damage
Undetected leaks can cause significant harm in many ways. Whether through faulty plumbing, roof leaks or natural disasters, this damage by water can go unnoticed for extended periods, allowing mold or other harmful substances to thrive. Signs of water damage can include unexpected spikes in water bills, the sound of running water when taps are off, damp spots on floors or walls, and decreased water pressure. If you notice any of these water damage symptoms, it should prompt concern.
If ignored, structural damage can be a severe and costly result of unmitigated leaks, weakening foundations, and possibly leading to cracked walls and uneven floors. Water mitigation strategies and early detection are vital in minimizing leak impact. Fortunately, smart technology offers hope with innovations that can protect our homes and help prevent water damage in the future.
Signs of Structural Damage
Walls and Ceilings
Water leaks rarely stay in one place, often finding the path of least resistance. If a pipe bursts upstairs, it can lead to catastrophic damage to the rooms’ ceilings and walls below. A burst pipe is often obvious. Small leaks, however, are not.
These leaks can do as much, if not more, damage simply because they can go undetected for long periods of time. Musty odors or mysterious water stains near a kitchen or bathroom, often yellowish or light brown, could be signs of water damage in walls and ceilings.
Water can also cause peeling, bubbling or flaking paint and, in worst-case scenarios, a sagging ceiling or hairline cracks in the surrounding walls.
Flooring
Water damage affects various types of flooring differently. Carpet and carpet padding can become moldy and the particle subfloor can start to rot if not dried in a timely manner.
Hardwood is the most susceptible to water damage, which can cause warping, cracking, splitting and soft spots. The first sign of water damage is usually cupping, when the edges of the boards start to curl upward. If the boards aren’t dried within 48 hours, they can start to permanently warp. In severe cases you might need to replace the entire floor.
Tile and vinyl are often resilient to minor water exposure, but it’s still important to address any issue quickly before it breaks down grout or rots wood subflooring.
Foundation
Water damage to a home’s foundation can be difficult to detect, especially if the basement appears mostly dry. But telltale signs of water are present upon closer inspection.
Water pressure from outside of the home, including leaky irrigation or yard sprinkler systems, can cause cracks in the foundation walls, as can persistently leaky outside faucets. One leak in a sprinkler system can lead to thousands of gallons of lost water. The ensuing cracks can weaken the structure and make it more vulnerable to future flooding and collapse.
Efflorescence, a white powder that appears on concrete slabs or walls, is a telltale sign of water damage, as well. This powder is salt that comes to the surface when the concrete becomes saturated with water.
Uneven floors may be another sign that the foundation has shifted resulting in possible damage.
The financial toll of undetected water leaks
Repairing damage caused by water can range anywhere from $150 to $100,000 depending on the severity and materials affected. Typically, the average cost to fix a catastrophic water leak is $12,500. Other financial considerations beyond repairing and replacing materials include an increased utility cost prior to making a repair and the possible increase in home insurance premiums if you submit a damage claim.
Homeowners insurance premiums can increase by 7% to 40%, depending on the type and size of the claim, as well as the number of previous claims. Water damage claims can cause rates to increase faster than other claim types because they signal a potential future risk to insurers. This is why many insurance providers are recommending — some even requiring — homeowners take proactive measures to prevent water damage.
Additionally, leaks can waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water. For example, according to the EPA, something as small as a 1/16-inch pipe leak can lead to 943 gallons lost per day, totaling 28,300 gallons per month. That adds up.
The emotional impact water damage can cause
Damage to a home can involve more than just the nuisance of cleaning up, filing insurance claims and making needed repairs. It can also have a devastating emotional toll, compromising the comfort and security of your family and all the memories shared in your home. Afterall, you can’t replace a wedding dress that gets ruined in a flooded basement, restore old family photos that have been exposed to moisture, or replicate those precious masterpieces your children made when they were little.
Dealing with water damage can heighten stress … especially if you are displaced to a hotel or another family member’s house while professionals restore water damage areas. For many, displacement causes inconvenience and disruption when it comes to family routines or commutes to work.
Those navigating the challenges of a water damaged home also might worry about potential health risks. Mold and bacteria can cause upper and lower respiratory issues and damp environments can bring about skin irritation or sensitivity.
Mitigating water damage with smart technology
Finding leaks before they cause damage is easier than ever because of water-sensing smart technology, such as detectors and monitors, that send alerts to you when they detect moisture. These small devices, which connect to the internet, can be placed in areas of your home that are prone to water leaks, such as basements, water heaters and washing machines.
As soon as a sensor detects water, it sends an alert to your smartphone so you can investigate quickly. Leak detectors are a good option for discovering leaks in real time; however, they don’t measure water usage, run routine leak checks or shut off your water to prevent damage.
Smart water monitors, on the other hand, can do most of these things (like measure usage and do routine checks), but will not automatically shut off your water to protect your home.
Enter the Flo Smart Water Monitor & Shutoff. This device uniquely includes the shutoff component, in addition to all the other alerts, creating an even greater peace of mind. Think of it this way, you can go on vacation, knowing your home is protected from major water damage without the need to turn off the water before you leave.
With FloSenseTM Technology, this device learns your home’s water usage patterns to identify abnormalities like running water or small leaks and will automatically turn off the water to prevent damage.
Some other benefits include:
- Tracking your water usage by device type to know when and where you use the most water.
- Real-time alerts when the system detects freezing conditions.
- Potentially reducing up to 90% of household water waste to conserve water and provide potential savings on your monthly bill.
- Insurance discounts through participating providers based on location and carrier.
Consider creating a personalized water leak prevention plan
In addition to imperative regular maintenance and inspections, having a prevention plan is one of the best ways to alleviate the water damage worry you might have while away from your home. As you create your plan, think about where your home is most vulnerable, such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Once you have your list, conduct a thorough inspection of those areas to ensure there are no water leaks or signs of water damage present. Set up detection points or strategic locations for placing water leak monitors.
From there, research the smart technology that is right for your needs. Keep in mind factors such as Wi-Fi range, connectivity and sensitivity. Ready to build your own personalized water leak prevention plan? Here’s how to get started.
Learn more about year-round protection from water damage and discover all the different ways we can help.