Having a leak is a scary thing. In the span of just a minute, I bet that a million questions run through your mind after finding a leak. How long has this been happening? How much water is there? What is leaking? Where is this water coming from? How much damage do we have? Could we have mold? The list goes on and on… I know how scary it is, but standing around crying about it does absolutely nothing. If you have a leak, you need to move quickly to solve the issue(s). That is why I created this post, what to do if you notice a leak in your home. Here are the steps you should take:
Turn off your water
When you discover a leak you’ll want to act quickly in order to avoid any costly damage and repairs. In some cases, that will be unavoidable. However, most leaks discovered early will have caused minimal damage. The first thing you will want to do when you discover a water leak is to shut off the water to whatever appliance it is leaking from. If there are any electronics nearby you will want to immediately unplug and or remove them. In some instances, shutting off the circuit breaker may be necessary. You may also have to turn your main water valve off at the source. Keep in mind that this could be located in your garage, your yard, or even offsite somewhere.
Remove standing water and run fans
Push any furniture from the space aside, grab a mop, and start getting the water off your surfaces. This will lower the chances of mold and mildew developing. Cleaning up the mess is extremely important before putting everything back in its initial place. Besides a simple mop and some fans can be crucial. If you have a bigger leak to contend with, larger fans and portable dehumidifiers can often be rented from local hardware stores. Keep fans running overnight and make sure the space is well ventilated, if possible.
Call a plumber
Once you have avoided the immediate crisis, it is time to call a plumber to see what the issue could be (if you don’t already know). If your issue is pipe related, they will be able to help you out!
How do I know if I have a leak?
Trust me. If you have a significant leak, you will know. But, sometimes leaks are sneaky. For example, water could be leaking through your roof, into your attic, and it could potentially be hard to pinpoint. Or, your toilets could be running and might go undetected. This is when some basic investigating works great! Monitor your water bill, check for wall or ceiling discoloration, and make sure things smell fresh, not musty or moldy.
What if it is a leak from the roof?
In this case, a plumber will not be able to help you out, and you need to call a roofing expert, such as Greater American Roofing - Louisville. They are a Louisville KY commercial roofing company that offers free roof inspections! Since 2000, Greater American Roofing has provided one-of-a-kind, platinum quality services by assisting their customers every step of the way. Offering free inspections, design consultations, and even onsite executive team oversight while installing luxury roofing systems, they act as consultants for our clients. “We focus on the highest quality for the most efficient cost, while still providing an excellent solution to their roofing needs,” they say. “There are dozens of roofing contractors to choose from when it comes to a new roof. However, not many SPECIALIZE in the luxury market like we do. We have invested heavily in this market because we understand that YOUR luxury home deserves specialized attention. What sets us apart? Our dedication to providing our customers with professional inspection reports, with assistance working with an insurance claim, professional design consultation, and certified luxury roofing system installation crews that understand that every roof is not the same. At Greater American Roofing & Restoration, we refuse to cut corners, and provide experienced project managers to ensure everything is done with quality that far exceeds the average in the industry.” Greater American Roofing has the experience, the know-how, and the great reviews to back up their work. Plus, they offer system warranties backed by their manufacturer for up to 50 years that other contractors simply can’t offer. Why do they do this? “Because Greater American Roofing & Restoration is a GAF Certified Contractor, and uses only in-house crews that are trained and certified as well.”
If you have a leak thanks to a faulty or old roof, Greater American Roofing will take great care of you, from start to finish.
