Essential Survival Gear Catalog

Flood damage can be a result of many household items failing such as toilet water supply lines, refrigerator supply lines, dishwasher and washing machine supply lines etc. Even though water damage can start in any room of the home, the bathroom is statistically the most common place for this. The bathroom is probably the most common used room of a home which is why it’s critical to keep in working order. The bathroom can have a huge play in the general feel of a home and in some cases it’s value too.

An obvious way to increase the value and asthetics of the bathroom is to simply maintain it and replace items and areas that appear worn and broken such as faucets. Nowadays PuroClean water damage offers readers a few tips to maintain that bathroom and home and increase it’s visual appearance and value.

If you’re wondering what the rush is when it comes to bathroom maintenance then just read on.

As per the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) toilet water supply line failures are second in line when it comes to frequency and cost of residential water damage and come in at an average of $5,762 per incident and that’s even after the deductible has been paid. According the study performed by the IBHS owners of new and old homes were both likely to suffer a water loss, but their risks were slightly different.

Newer homes were more likely to have a sudden toilet failure, such as one caused by a faulty supply line or fill valve. Older homes were more likely to experience a slow, seeping leak, such as from failed drain lines or faulty seals which could lead to black mold damage if left or ignored for a while.

The tips below from PuroClean are meant to assist in lowering the chances of water damage

To help prevent a leaking toilet:

• Every month or two take a look at the entire flushing mechanism.
• The water should stop filling the tank when the float reaches the required level.
• If the tank required refilling every now and then then it may be time to replace the fill valve assembly or the flapper.
• Inspect the supply line every few months. This is the number one cause of bathroom water damage.
• Make sure the valve is secure and it’s in working order.

To prevent water damage from sinks:

Every 2-3 months inspect the plumbing beneath the sink:

• Ensure that the connections are secure and that there are no rusted pipes. Sometimes slower leaks can be more damaging because people put off fixing them right away.
• Check for weak areas of the pipe due to kinks in the plastic or copper pipes.
• Be aware of the location of the water shut-off valve and inspect it frequently to ensure the water supply can be shut off.
• Replace the valve if required.

Plumbing and Appliances:

Make a point of checking drain systems and water supply lines regularly:

• Check for condensation on copper or metal pipes which could be signs of a leak.
• Keep an eye out for mold which can cause a musty smell or stains on walls.
• Keep an eye on your water bill since a large and sudden increase could be indicative of a leak.
• A backed up toilet, rusty water or flooring that has buckled are all signs of water damage or broken pipes.
• Insulate pipes in colder areas of the home including basements, crawlspaces, attics and outside to avoild freezing and cracking. It’s also recommended to open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer air.

Shower stall safety:

• Remember to inspect grout lines around tubs and showers and replace it if worn or cracked. Repair as needed.
• To test if your shower pan leaks, block the drain, fill it with about an inch of water and mark the water level. Return in a few hors to check on that water level and if it has dropped then you could have a leak.