Water damage in your home sounds like something extremely rare. However, water leaks and floods affect half of all homes at some point and can be prevented in 93% of cases. Whether the water damage is caused by a blocked sink, an overflowing dishwasher or washing machine, a burst pipe, or a leaking roof, there are many ways that water can enter your home and cause serious damage.
We have had a number of water leaks in our home since we bought it back in 2013. A few times we have experienced a leaky roof. During periods of intense weather where the wind has exceeded 70mph we have lost the tiles from our roof. This has allowed the rain to enter and we have ended up with water coming through the ceiling. The water saturated the loft insulation and then seeped in through the ceiling in the children’s bedroom. It dripped down onto their bed and soaked the bedding. Luckily we had mattress protectors on the bed so the damage didn’t extend to the mattress.
The ceiling was quite badly damaged and we did our best to repair it but even now you can still sort of see the watermark through the paint that we used to redecorate. We bought special paint from Zinsser (affiliate link) which is a 3 in 1 Primer Sealer and Stain Killer to try to disguise the mark and whilst it worked extremely well, the stain is still slightly detectable, although maybe that’s because I know it’s there.
Another time we had a burst pipe in the loft which leaked down through the ceiling in the living room. This was a tiny pinprick hole in the pipe due to the age of the pipes. Water started to trickle through the ceiling one evening onto the dining table. We were lucky we were home and heard it dripping immediately otherwise it could have caused a huge amount of damage. Again the ceiling was left with a small stain that we painted over once the plumber had changed the pipe and the ceiling had dried.
On both occasions, the damage was not insignificant but it could have been a lot worse, especially if we hadn’t been home or hadn’t noticed it as soon as we did. But rather than being reactive and fixing the damage after a water leak, it’s advisable to try to prevent it in the first place. Prevention is obviously more cost-effective and less stressful than dealing with damage after it happens as this can include structural issues, mould growth, and costly repairs.
Let’s take a look at how we can do that.
Practice Emergency Preparedness
The first fight in the battle against water damage is finding out where the water sources are in your home. This is so you know where to turn the water sources on and off in your home and what pipes run to which systems. This makes it a lot easier to turn the water off if anything bursts or leaks, and you’ll also know exactly which pipe is causing the problem.
Carry Out Regular Home Maintenance to Prevent Water Damage
It is extremely important to stay on top of your home maintenance to prevent any unexpected water damage. This requires you to inspect both the exterior and interior of your home regularly. Here are a few things that should be checked.
Inspect Roof and Gutters
Don’t do what we did and assume that your roof is in good condition. Tiles can come loose at any time and particularly in periods of bad weather. Make sure you inspect your roof at least once a year, preferably before winter and definitely before any expected adverse weather conditions.
It’s important to also inspect your gutters. If gutters become blocked or clogged with fallen leaves or moss, water will not drain away correctly and could end up dripping down walls and making its way into your home and causing damp. Make sure you clear the gutters throughout the year to ensure that any rainwater drains away as it should down the downpipes. It is particularly important as autumn turns to winter.
Maintain Exterior Walls
Look out for any cracks or damage on exterior walls where water may be able to enter the property. Fix and repair any ageing or damaged brickwork, stonework, concrete or render to make sure that it is water tight. Water ingress can cause damage to your home but also to your health. Look out for dark patches on external and internal walls as well as internal walls that feel particularly cold to the touch as this may be an indicator of water damage.
Check Plumbing for Leaks
Regular home maintenance also requires that you check all your plumbing for signs of leaks. we actually did have another water leak that I had forgotten about where the pipework for our bathroom tap was leaking. We only realised thanks to a very unpleasant musty smell in the vanity unit that houses the tap. On closer inspection, we found the wood of the vanity was wet and slightly warped. We had to get a plumber in to fix the issue.
Make sure you check bathroom and kitchen taps, plumbing for washing machines and dishwashers, the shower and the toilet. Check for leaks but also check for ageing pipes that may be prone to fail. Water damage can be attributed to pipework in 65% of cases. But unfortunately, 41 % of burst pipes are not recognized immediately so cause a high volume of water outflow and water loss.
Make sure you also check water pressure regularly as high water pressure can put strain on pipes and increase the risk of leaks. Remember, early detection of small leaks will prevent much larger issues.
Use Waterproofing Methods to Prevent Water Damage
Bathroom wall panels from Easy Panels
Waterproofing is an essential step in preventing water damage, especially in areas prone to moisture, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. Applying a waterproof sealant to walls and floors in basements or other below-ground spaces can help create a protective barrier that keeps water out.
In bathrooms, where constant exposure to water is unavoidable, investing in effective waterproofing measures can make a big difference. One option is to install bathroom wall panels instead of traditional tiles. Wall panels offer a seamless, grout-free surface that resists water penetration and reduces the risk of mould growth. Unlike tiles, which require regular maintenance to keep grout lines intact, panels are easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical and stylish choice for modern bathrooms. They come in various designs and finishes, ensuring that functionality doesn’t come at the expense of aesthetics.
Being proactive when it comes to preventing water damage at home is the key. By keeping on top of home maintenance, using waterproofing methods and practising emergency preparedness you can save yourself stress, time, effort and money from making costly repairs.
If you doubt your ability to keep on top of your home maintenance and prevent water damage in your home, perhaps consider installing an appliance like the Grohe Sense Smart Water Sensor that can detect water leaks as soon as they happen and alert you on the accompanying smartphone app. This simple device is placed on the floor and when it comes into contact with water it will alert you. There is also the GROHE Sense Guard, which is a Wi-Fi connected water controller that is installed on the mains water pipe. When it detects a leak, it shuts off the water supply to reduce any damage from occurring. The great thing about this is that it can be operated remotely even when you are not home.
There really is no excuse to suffer from the devastating effects of water damage as long as you stay aware and take preventative action where possible.