If water damage is something that you've found in your Barrie home, you know how frustrating and costly it can be to deal with. Water damage can be caused by anything from storms and flooding to broken water pipes and lines and leaking washing machines. If left unmitigated it can cause mould and odor problems or even lead to structural damage. Well here are a few tips and regular maintenance tasks that can hopefully prevent any major water damage in your home:

• Water supply lines to and from washing machines and dishwashers should be regularly checked for leaks. Both the hoses themselves and the connections should be examined. (replace the manufacturer's supplied hoses with upgraded reinforced hoses.) Even a small leak can cause water damage over time, so any leaks should be repaired immediately. If the laundry room is located on the main floor or above, damage to the floor and ceiling below can be especially problematic.
• Tank-style water heaters are prone to leaking; especially after several years of use (watch the old blue tanks). Over time, the bottom of the tank can rust out, causing a serious leak. Ideally, an overflow valve should be installed that will conduct leaking water to a pipe that will drain either outside or to an appropriate interior drain.
• Another common source of water leaks is the refrigerator icemaker supply line; this should be checked as well.
• Be aware that pipe leakage can occur inside the walls or ceiling and may be impossible to detect visually before damage has already occurred.
• Gutters and downspouts should be checked to ensure that water is flowing away from the home's foundation. Make any adjustments, and check the flow again using water from a garden hose.
• Water leak detectors can be installed at floor level near water heaters and interior air conditioning units. Simple, inexpensive wireless models are widely available and will sound an alarm when water is detected on the floor near these appliances.

Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about Barrie real estateor preventing water damage, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

Peggy Hill

Peggy Hill is a Broker of Record conducting business in the Barrie real estatemarket. She has many Barrie real estate listingsand is an expert in Barrie Homes for sale. Visit her website for more information about Barrie real estate.