Did you know that water leaks are a major problem in buildings? They might damage the structure and cause cracks in the walls. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, around 10,000 gallons of water is wasted annually, and homes waste around 10% of this water. The common areas susceptible to water leaks in homes are faucets that do not close properly or drip, toilet water tank leakage, and other plumbing issues.
Therefore, resolving these problems as soon as possible is important to keep your home efficient. In this scenario, detecting a leak can decrease your electric bills and conserve water. .
Getting an inspection service from a professional home inspection company like Safe House Property Inspections, can help you identify leakage problems.
In this blog, we will discuss the core benefits of getting an inspection to highlight the water leakage problems.
Common problems of water leakage in Virginia Beach
FYI, the Department of Public Utilities highlights the key components that must be in good working order so that water leaks do not affect your property and your home stays safe and healthy.
Below are some common water leakage problems.
Water dripping from faucets
Faucets are important parts of every kitchen and bathroom, thus needing proper care and maintenance. Lack of care for faucets may affect their working, resulting in water drippage. This not only wastes a lot of water but also causes cracks in the walls or floors, resulting in seepage which can cause structural damage and health hazards. Plus, wasted water can also affect your water storage efficiency, requiring frequent refills and driving up your electric bills.
Faulty flapper valve
Flapper valves are the main part of the bathroom seat that allows the water to come in and flush. It should be replaced every three months. A faulty flapper valve can waste a lot of water due to unnecessary refilling and flushing. Therefore detecting a water leak is necessary in maintaining the home’s health.
A home inspector identifies these minor problems so that you can conserve water wherever possible. .
The hidden dangers of undetected water leakage
Water leakage may cause different problems and can weaken the structural integrity of your home. Following are some more hidden dangers of water leakage:
Cracks on walls
When the water seeps into the walls, it weakens them, resulting in cracks. To get rid of these cracks, you need to put in a lot of effort for proper repairs.
Reason of mold
Virginia’s weather is not excessively cool or warm, so it is officially considered humid. Water leakage and the humid environment are a great combo for mold growth. Mold directly affects the human body and is the cause of many harmful diseases. Mold spores float in air and can reproduce after landing on other surfaces.
The presence of mold is a direct cause of poor indoor air quality, which can lead to respiratory or skin allergies. Getting rid of mold is challenging because its spores are suspended in the air and can grow when they get a suitable climate. The presence of mold is not only a cause of diseases but may also decrease a property’s value.
Decrease the property’s value
When water seeps into the walls and damages the home's structure, requiring a lot of work, money, and time for the corrective repairs. Consequently, your property’s resale value goes down.
Financial problems
Water leakage issues may also have major effects on your finances, as home repairs (especially structural repairs) are costly, time taking and difficult. Therefore, getting a regular home inspection before you face any major problems in the future is necessary.
How an inspector detects water leakage
A certified home inspection company has professional home inspectors. They are fully equipped with updated tools for detecting a water leak.
Below are some methods that a home inspector uses to detect a leak:
Physical examination
Home inspectors first physically check for water leakages and make sure that there are no unnoticed water dripping. Next, they ensure all faucets and flapper valves are working smoothly. Further in the inspection, they check the condition of the walls and ensure there is no sign of cracks or mold.
Thermal imaging
This process is used when a home inspector cannot physically check the water leakage. Thermal imaging equipment detects the water leakage behind the walls. This detection helps identify the source, so that it may not further damage the walls or create an environment for mold growth.
Benefits of getting water leak detection inspections
Below are some benefits that you get through water leak detection inspections:
Prevent your home from mold
Due to Virginia Beach's humid environment, regular water leak detection inspections are necessary. They can protect your home from mold, saving you from harmful diseases.
Crack-free home
Cracks in your home’s foundation or walls can create a perfect breeding environment for mold and give rise to other harmful environmental issues. By detecting water leakage problems early, your home will stay safe and healthy, and free from cracks.
Increase your property’s value
With regular inspections, you can maintain your home, taking preventive measures, which will help increase its resale value.
Final words
Water leakage leads to major problems such as cracks in the walls, high electric bills, and damage to infrastructure. Here, detecting a leak through inspections may help stop it in its early stage, saving you from major issues in the future. We strongly recommend getting regular inspections from a certified company like Safe House Property Inspections. If you want to learn more about water damage, then this blog is for you.
Comments