Water leaks can be elusive and difficult to pinpoint.
They are also a nightmare for homeowners because of the damage they can cause to a house within a short duration.
While the first reaction might be to panic, a better way to go about it is to follow a systematic plan. Here is an actionable guide of what to do when you have a water leak.
Think Finances
A water leak is a sign that something is broken in your piping system. Whatever this is, it will require fixing. At times, you cannot be sure about how much damage the leak has caused. If there is structural damage, this will be more expensive to fix and will likely take longer to resolve as well.
It, therefore, makes sense to begin thinking about how to fund the repair as soon as you realize you have a problem. If you do not have savings or they are not significant enough, payday loans in Montreal can come in quite handy.
Once you get the finances right for any eventuality, the remaining processes will move much more swiftly.
Call Your Insurer
If you have a policy on your house, review it to see if it covers you for water damage. If it does, you should call your insurer right away.
They can then give you directions on what to do next. This can either be waiting for an assessor or fixing the damage and applying for reimbursement.
Assess the Type of Leak
Simple leaks only require faucet replacements or repairs on the broken sections of the piping. Some are more significant and need a plumber.
Depending on where you have spotted signs of leakage, try and identify the source of the leak and if indeed you do have one. To figure out if you have a leak, the meter will keep moving when no taps are running in the house.
Once you are sure there is a leak, trace the water damage to its source. This can either be inside or outside the house.
Shut Water Supply
Once you identify the source of the leak, shut off the home’s main shut-off valve to cut off all water supply.
This will stop the leakage and any further damage to the house as you attempt to get the problem fixed.
Fix the Damage
Depending on the extent of the damage, determine whether this is a DIY job you can manage comfortably or whether you will need to call a plumber.
Final Word
Serious leaks can find their way to the foundation and walls of the home, causing extensive water damage.
For this reason, homeowners are always advised to deal with leaks as soon as they spot them. These tips give you an action plan for when this happens.