(Newswire.net — September 12, 2022) — A leaky pipe can be a downright disaster for your home cause it can lead to costly repairs. Aside from the immediate water damage and unhygienic conditions, it can also cause mold to grow in your walls, ceilings, and floors. If you have a leaky pipe at your house, you should take the following steps to prevent further damage.
1. Shut off the Water Supply
The quickest way to stop a leaky pipe is to shut off the water supply. You may have a lot of water flowing from the leaky pipe, but if you just turn it off at the water main, you’ll save yourself many headaches. The key here is to shut off the main valve before all other valves and taps in your house.
2. Begin Cleaning up the Water
Begin cleaning up all this water to keep it from going anywhere else or getting further damage. You can use mops and towels to soak up as much water as possible.
3. Check for Signs of Water Damage
Do a thorough inspection of your floor, walls, and ceiling, looking for discoloration, dirtiness, mold, or any other unusual deposits. If your flooring is made of wood, you can check for warping or buckling signs of serious water damage. Call a professional immediately to fix the issue if you find any visible damage signs.
Mold and mildew can proliferate in humid and wet conditions caused by a leaky pipe. The black mold or green mildew on your walls, ceilings, and floors can cause several health problems and should be removed immediately.
4. Seal the Leak
If you have a water pipe you cannot turn off; you can seal the leak. A sealant like silicone can seal off the pipe and prevent further damage. You’ll find a sealant at your local hardware store. This is a temporary solution; it’ll stop the leaks before a professional arrives.
5. Schedule an Appointment With a Plumbing Professional
Once you’ve determined that there is water damage in your home caused by a leaky pipe, the next step is to call in a local plumber and schedule an appointment. This will allow you to catch the leak early before it gets out of control and causes even more damage to your home. The plumber may have to find the leaking pipe and replace it with a new one.
A professional plumber has been trained to work with water systems in your home and will identify where the leaky pipe is coming from. They also have the right tools and equipment to quickly locate and move it to a safe, dry place while they repair or replace it.
In conclusion, there are several ways to prevent a leaky pipe from damaging your home. Regular maintenance and inspection will help you keep your pipes in excellent condition while knowing what to do if you find a leak is important to prevent further damage.