Although leaks are prone to develop in all types of buildings, they can be a headache to deal with and can quickly lead to extensive damage, especially during the rainy months in El Paso, TX. Many homeowners fail to take the right steps once the leak forms, which can make it more difficult to repair. If you notice a leak is present in any area of your house, there are a few steps to take to protect the building and your personal belongings.
1. Identify the Source
The leak will continue to cause damage until you’re able to identify the source to get to the root of the problem. Hire a professional from a company like Choice Plumbing USA to discover where the damage has occurred to ensure the materials are repaired. A technician will be capable of quickly identifying the problem area with the use of professional tools and equipment.
2. Turn Off the Main Water Supply
The quickest way you can stop a leak is to shut off the main water supply. Release all of the water pressure by running the water through the faucet in your kitchen sink. The leak will start to subside and slow down when you begin to hear a hissing noise. Avoid turning the water back on until the issue is resolved, which can cause extra pressure to be placed back on the line.
3. Absorb the Water
Use towels and blankets to absorb any of the water that has accumulated near the leak to prevent damage to your floors, furniture, and personal belongings. Find a bucket to use to collect the water to prevent it from flooding the surrounding area. Sitting water is not only damaging but can also cause mildew and mold to develop, which can put your health at risk.
4. Run an Air Blower
Open the windows and use an air blower, which will help the moisture evaporate at a faster speed. Keep all electronics away from all of the moisture to avoid electrocuting yourself.
5. Check for Mold
Although you may fix the leak, your health can still be affected if mold is present in the building. Mold can start to grow within 24 hours of the leak developing. All of the materials that have been affected by the mold need to be cut out, bagged, and discarded. You may also need to use an air purifier to remove the mold spores that are circulating in the building to ensure the space is safe to inhabit.
Reach out to our team today to learn more about what to do when a water leak develops on your property. We can help by answering your questions and repairing the issue to prevent further damage from occurring.
