Ways to Prevent Water Damage

We all know that the best way to deal with water damage and mold damage is to prevent it before it happens. While there are extreme situations that require flood damage control or water damage restoration, more often than not the worst you have to deal with is mold remediation resulting from lack of knowledge about the origins of water damage rather then any of the previously mentioned devastating situations.

Common hidden causes of water damage

Bathrooms and kitchens are obvious starting points for water damage. After all, these are probably the only rooms in the house in which water is regularly used. A small leak under the sink, a crack in the tile, poor ventilation can all be the foundation of much larger problems.

Inspect tiled areas for cracks or damaged grout.

Ventilate by either leaving the window open a crack or by installing a fan.

Check shower stalls and tubs for cracks.

Inspect pipes under all sinks.

Pay attention to any dark stains or discoloration on bathroom and kitchen walls, floors and other surfaces. These may indicate a growing mold colony.

Check all caulking - if you see any cracks or degradation, take the time to re-caulk and avoid leaks. Include showers, tubs, sinks and toilets in your inspection.

Do not forget to check your shower curtain or shower/tub door for signs of mold.


Pool areas and spas are perpetually damp. Cleanliness in these areas, as well as good ventilation, is essential.

There is some research that indicated cedar tubs are better at resisting mold.
Wash frequently using an eco-friendly anti-bacterial agent. Dry thoroughly.
Invest in a pool/spa dehumidifier
Regularly inspect the integrity of water seals to ensure that there is no leakage.
It is equally important to inspect any plumbing attached to the hot tub in your spa.
Provide proper drainage for filter and heating system.


Household appliances can also be the source of water damage.

Clothes dryer vents expel hot, moist air. Poor ventilation or inefficient outtake hoses will lead to moisture accumulation.
Appliances that use water (dish washers, clothes washers, refrigerators with ice makers or a beverage bar) clearly employ mechanisms that carry water to and from the appliance. Hoses. Drain pipes and all other plumbing elements must be kept in tip-top, water-tight working order.


Certain rooms are more susceptible to unnoticed water damage than others.

Visit the basement and attic regularly. Even if these rooms are not regularly in use, they are common locations for undetected water seepage or leaking.
You do not have to memorize the plumbing schematics for your home, but you should be aware that pipes may run in unexpected places. Wall discoloration in any room in the house can indicate a problem with your plumbing and the onset of water damage.


Prevent extensive water damage by paying attention to water pressure - a drop in water pressure can indicate a hidden leak somewhere in the plumbing system.

Prevent Pipes Bursting in Extreme Cold

We have it better than we will ever know in Washington State and Oregon. Sure we have to deal with a little rain but overall the temperature never gets bellow 40 degrees. Its usually always moderate compared with the rest of the nation.

But when the temperature drops significantly we, in this area area, are never prepared for it and a lot of damage is caused because of it. Many residents were blindsided this past December when we had this extreme uncharacteristic cold snap. Frozen pipes and meters are really no fun to deal with and expensive to fix. Here are some tips to prevent water damage for all homeowners in the Portland area and any other residents of the pacific northwest.

1) Try to make certain your pipes are insulated and warm. Do not shut off the heat in the middle of day like many people normally do. You can lower the thermostat but do not shut it off. You want to keep your basement and walls toasty because that's where all the pipes are. If you know that you have bad insulation where you live then you need to turn up the temperature well above what you normally have it. Trying to save a little on heat can end up costing your hundreds or thousands of dollars calling a plumbing company.

2) Make certain you turn off ALL the faucets that are on the outside of your home. Take off the water hose. There were a lot of people that did not do this and the water in the pipes outside froze and burst. If you are able it is a good idea to drain all the pipes outside.

3) Heat can creep out of small cracks in the wall, holes, doors, and windows. On a cold and windy day those small opening let a lot of heat out and let really cold air in. Try to patch them up as much as you can.

4) Take insulating material, which you can get at your local plumbing supply store, and put them on your faucets, pipes, and meters.

When a cold snap suddenly hits in the area the people the most prepared suffer the least amount of damage. Know the weaknesses of the plumbing in your home and act accordingly. Many homes in the greater Portland metropolitan area are not made to handle weather under 32 degrees for long periods of time.