3 Ways to Detect Water Damage in the Kitchen

According to the American Insurance Association, water damage is the most frequently filed insurance claim for homeowners. The cause? Usually leaky plumbing. While a small plumbing leak hardly seems catastrophic, it can turn into headaches in a matter of minutes. (Trust us, we’ve been there.) Most often, these “minor” cases of water damage originate in the bathroom or the kitchen. Homeowners can avoid major costs by preparing for and preventing water damage in areas of the home. Today, we’ll focus on detecting water damage in the kitchen. We at Restore Rite know that kitchen water damage is tricky, because many pipelines are found behind appliances. This means that a problem can go unnoticed for several days until it compounds into a more severe issue. So, Idaho Falls, take note of these tips and check for kitchen water damage in these wet summer months.

1. Use the water meter

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends checking the water meter for a two-hour period when the water isn’t in use. This way, it will be easy to tell if there’s a leak. Record the water meter gauge before the 2 hour period and after. If the two numbers don’t match up, you can suspect a leak. If you’re going out of town, consider checking the water meter before you leave and then again when you come home.

2. Look for the eye sores

Water damage is usually pretty easy to spot. Buckled flooring, warped walls, and chipped paint are obvious indicators of water damage in the kitchen. Any changes in texture or color can also be attributed to water damage. Unfortunately, many times homeowners suspect that these imperfections are a result of old age. Many homeowners neglect these red flags, welcoming in further water damage. Be mentally aware of the look and feel of your kitchen and it will be easier to tell if something is off.

3. Check for moisture behind walls

If you suspect a leak in your home, but no apparent signs of water damage are seen, take steps to detect water damage behind the walls. Simple moisture meters can be found online or in a hardware store. These will allow you to detect water damage without tearing down walls. For a more thorough look, inspection cameras can also be used. Inspection cameras use an aluminum camera head and an LCD screen to check behind the wall. This option is more invasive than a moisture meter, but it gives a more complete look at the hidden water.

What to Do If You Find Water Damage

If your home has water damage, or if you suspect water damage, there are professional water damage restoration companies that can help. Idaho Falls seems to be a water magnet this summer, so it’s no surprise that cases of water damage in homes are increasing. Although attempting do-it-yourself projects can be a challenging adventure, most homeowners are better off sticking to a reputable water damage restoration company. Cleanup can be a mess. Let us help with our team of experienced professionals. Give us a call today if you’re in need of our services!