Dealing With Water Damage in Orlando, Florida
It can be a distressing feeling when you find out you have water damage in your home. This can be a result from recent flooding, burst pipes or something else entirely. If you ignore any type of flood damage inside your home, the expenses for repairs can quickly add up into the hundreds or even thousands. What can you do to prevent water damage in your home, specifically your kitchen? In this article, we’ll go over four useful tips that can help you to prevent water damage in your kitchen.
- Plumbing: One of the first tips is to fix a water leak no matter how small it may seem. It is also ideal that you repair any leaks as soon as possible. If you wait too long to fix a water leak, it will get worse with time. Where can you check for water leaks in your plumbing? When it comes to your kitchen, make sure that you check the water lines under your sink. This can include a water line that is coming to and from the water heater as well, which runs the hot water. Nowadays, most of the plumbing is done with PVC piping. However, older homes could have copper pipes instead. If this is the case, it would be best to replace the pipes with new PVC. Copper pipes are more corrosive and can cause leaks under your sink. Another place you can check is the refrigerator line that is tapped into your plumbing under your kitchen sink. The line is connected through a small tube on back of your refrigerator. These types of tubes are usually connected with plastic fittings. Any jolts or big movements with the line can loosen or crack these fittings increasing the chances of a water leak. To minimize any chances of a water leak, make sure the water line is not bent in a way where pressure can cause a crack.
- Prepare for Flooding: If you live within the Orlando, Florida, area, you have surely seen your share of storms, especially hurricanes. Flood damage can leave behind great devastation after a storm has passed. One way to protect your kitchen and the rest of your house is by knowing where the shut-off valves are located. When waters begin to rise around your home, this means that the plumbing system could also overflow causing water damages. Shutting off your valves under your kitchen sink or even the main valve can reduce the water pressure in your home. This can minimize the chances of one of your pipes bursting. Remember to inspect your kitchen sinks and drains to optimize water flow. Finally, make sure your sink drains are clean and clear. Within time, grease and other debris can get stuck inside the drainage line causing a clog. The last thing you want is for water to back up in your drainage system, which can also cause a leak. You can clean your kitchen drains by using a snake auger.
- Leak Detectors: A leak detector can be a great way to find a leak. You can install a leak detector under your kitchen sink to detect any water leaks before they can do damage. Why is it important to find and repair these leaks in a timely manner? The main reason is mold damage. Water leaks under the sink tend to go unnoticed. With time, the water can slowly but surely rot your wood or cause mold damage. Mold can be dangerous and cause health issues for anyone living in your home. However, a leak detector can alert you of any leaks by detecting moisture or if the sensors get wet. Don’t ignore the alarm but check to see if you have a leak under your kitchen sink.
- Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal: The dishwasher and garbage disposal are two main fixtures of any kitchen. The dishwasher is a great addition to any kitchen because it can take the added chore of having to wash the dishes manually. The garbage disposal is another essential fixture that helps to dispose of food waste. However, both of these fixtures can also cause unexpected leaks. These leaks can start slowly as it progresses throughout your kitchen sink. Other leaks can be large and even cause flooding in your kitchen. The best way to prevent a leak in your dishwasher is by having it inspected by a plumbing company, such as CEO Restoration. If you already have damages, the plumber can also extend water damage restoration services. The garbage disposal usually breaks down around the seal of the sink flange. When it comes to the garbage disposal, you may notice a slow leak of dirty water that comes with the combination of garbage. Catching these leaks and repairing them early are essential to prevent mold and microbial growth.