Homeowners can avoid a lot of hassle and expense by fixing water problems sooner rather than later.
It’s not a matter of if but when a homeowner encounters a water problem. Routine use, age and problems left by prior owners can all lead to clogs, leaks and flooding. Here’s what to be aware of around your home so you can minimize the hassle and expense of fixing water problems.
There are two types of water problems: those that happen gradually and those that appear suddenly.
Slow-onset water problems
Gradually occurring water problems like a dripping faucet or a running toilet are easy to ignore when you get used to the sound. However, letting them go unfixed wastes water and increases water bills.
Another slow-onset problem is a drain that leaks only when water flows through from the sink above. A waterproof container under the leak is a short-term solution to protect the area below from damage and rot until a repair can be done. Just be sure to empty the container periodically so it doesn’t overflow.
Slow-draining pipes could indicate a clog. It’s best to clear the clog before the water flow completely stops and backs up into the sink or tub.
If the water flow at faucets is slow, it could indicate a problem with sediment buildup. This can result from hard water or old pipes with years of mineral accumulation. Over time, the flow diminishes more and more. The fix here could be hiring a plumber to clear the pipes or, in extreme cases, replacing pipes. To prevent future problems from sediment buildup, a water softener or water filtration system may be needed.
Some home water problems only appear sporadically—like water pooling on the roof or a window leak that becomes evident only when it rains or there’s snow melt. Once they dry, it’s easy to forget about them. However, any time you find water where it shouldn’t be there’s potential for damage. For example, if faulty flashing around a window lets water into the walls, it could result in mold as well as damage to drywall, insulation and structural elements. Fixing the flashing now is much cheaper than removing damaged materials and rebuilding walls later.
A more subtle sign of water seeping in from outside are stains on ceilings or walls. If stains show up in winter, it could indicate water coming in from melted ice dams on the roof. Clear gutters and properly insulated roofs can prevent this.
Sudden-onset water problems
The second type of water problems happen fast, like flooding that results from a clogged gutter, a sump pump that fails or a water heater that leaks. Some sudden-onset water problems can’t be avoided. However, you can minimize the likelihood of one happening by:
- Keeping gutters clear and ensuring water drains away from your home’s foundation.
- Inspect the sump pump regularly to ensure the float switch is working properly and ensure nothing blocks the line where water is discharged outside.
- Flush out the hot water heater every six months. Consider installing a water sensor that will sound and alarm if a leak does happen.
- Budget for replacement of hot water heaters (life expectancy of 8 to 12 years) and sump pumps (life expectancy about 10 years but could be less if it gets lots of use).
Prevention is best
Never ignore water problems. Even those that don’t need urgent attention should be fixed before they lead to bigger—and more expensive—problems. One way to cover home maintenance costs is with a home equity line of credit.
All loans subject to approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change may vary based on credit worthiness, qualifications, and collateral conditions.