-The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proclaimed March 14-20 as National Fix a Leak Week. The Cambria water damage team from SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City has summarized the leak detection and repair tips from the EPA into some easy strategies to help the community prevent costly water and mold damage.
Leaks are not only expensive in terms of water loss and water bills they can also contribute to water and mold damage. The insurance industry ranks water damage as one of the most common claims along with fire damage. The costs of fire damage often includes the water damage that results from putting out a fire and is also frequently included in the cost of storm damage.
- Household water damage cost approximately $20 billion per year.
- Leaks waste more than 10,000 gallons of water annually.
- Landscape watering loses up to 24,000 gallons of water per year per household to wind, evaporation and runoff.
Homeowners, tenants and business owners, can benefit by checking for leaks as well as identifying other ways water may be wasted. The EPA has designated Fix a Leak Week to bring public awareness to a costly problem but anytime is appropriate to check for leaks and water damage.
Most leaks are easily identified and it’s important to repair them quickly. The Fix a Leak website has many tips to help identify and repair leaks and other sources of water loss. The Cambria water damage team has summarized these tips to make it easier for everyone to participate, and to also check for signs of water damage:
- Check for leaks under and around sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, washers, dishwashers, refrigerators and outdoor watering systems. Look for standing water, wet or moist spots, and examine pipes for leaks.
- Examine faucets for dripping or leaking around the base.
- Check hoses and irrigation systems for leaks and landscaping for excessive watering.
- Check under the house for signs of moisture, standing water or leaking pipes.
- Look for mold under sinks and around water-using appliances. Also look for mold in crawl spaces, on walls, especially near the floor or ceiling, behind furniture and in closets and cabinets. Mold needs moisture to grow and can be a sign of water damage.
- Mold growing around window and door frames is another sign of water damage.
Most leaks are easily repaired by replacing gaskets, washers, toilet flappers, and repairing pipes and pipe joints. Prompt leak repair reduces water waste and the risk of water damage.
Repairing water damage isn’t always as easy as fixing leaks. There are several steps starting with assessing the extent of the damage to removing water and drying the affected areas. Water damage can range from a stain on the floor to extensive damage to entire sections and contents. The Cambria water damage team’s remediation process includes:
- Assessing the damage and creating a remediation plan.
- Removing water using specialized pumps and vacuums.
- Drying using powerful air movers and dehumidifiers.
- Cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing.
- Restoring the home or business to its pre-water damage condition.
- Helping process insurance claims.
Serving the Central Coast and Cambria since 2007, SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City responds to emergencies 24/7 and is uniquely qualified to help minimize interruptions caused by water damage. The team’s solutions include a thorough assessment, removing water, drying, dehumidifying, removing odors, cleaning furnishings, clothing, personal items and making sure repairs are completed.