Preventing Water Damage in Older Homes

12/30/2024 (Permalink)

Prevent water damage in homes

Preventing Water Damage in Older Homes

Choosing the perfect home involves a myriad of decisions and trade-offs. In many cases, purchasing an older home works because it satisfies many other requirements for home buyers. However, maintaining an older home requires essential steps such as inspections, which can reveal issues like existing water damage or faulty plumbing. Ensuring these problems are addressed promptly is vital to maintaining the structural integrity of older homes.

1. Regularly Inspect and Maintain Plumbing

Older homes are often beautiful buildings with a lot of history, but they can also include outdated plumbing systems built with aging components. Materials commonly used in older plumbing systems include galvanized steel or lead, which are prone to leaks and corrosion due to many years of use.

Preventing water damage in older homes starts with an annual plumbing inspection, which can catch minor issues in the plumbing system before they escalate into more significant problems. Discovering hidden leaks in the walls or underneath flooring can save the home or building from potential structural damage and keep mold from growing on materials that constantly remain wet. Replacing older pipes with modern plumbing that uses PEX or copper can improve the overall plumbing system and safeguard water flow throughout the house.

2. Inspect and Monitor for Signs of Concealed Water Damage

Getting to know an older home includes inspecting the walls, floors, and ceilings and keeping a vigilant eye out for signs of hidden water damage. Look for peeling paint, warped flooring, or brownish discoloration on ceilings and walls.

Monitor the utility bills to check for exceptionally high water usage or unexplained spikes in usage. Specialized tools like moisture meters or infrared cameras can help detect hidden leaks. Promptly addressing these issues can prevent escalating repair costs and damage.

3. Inspect the Foundation

The foundation underneath an older home may have experienced years of settling or cracking, which can lead to water seepage and related damage. Inspect the home's exterior and foundation, looking for visible cracks in the foundation's walls or floor.

To prevent seepage, treat minor cracks with a professional-grade sealant. Larger cracks may need to be addressed promptly with the assistance of professionals. Properly grade the surrounding yard areas and install appropriate drainage systems to ensure water drains away from the home's foundation.

4. Repair Sealing Issues in Doors and Windows

An older home's original windows and doors can become a significant source of intruding water, particularly during rainy seasons. Older doors may have gaps in their caulking or weather stripping, allowing water to seep underneath flooring or into walls. Caulking or new weather stripping can help close the gaps and keep water out.

Inspect the frames of doors and windows for damage or rot that can degrade them and lead to or worsen water leaks. Preventing water damage in older homes may require replacing older single-pane windows with updated double-pane or similar windows that offer better protection from moisture.

5. Install a Backflow Safeguard

Some homes have plumbing systems built without safeguards to prevent wastewater from backing up into the house. If this is the case, install a backflow valve to prevent sewage from backing up into the house. Regularly inspect the device to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Combine the backflow valve install with routine pipe inspections and maintenance, which is essential for homes with aging sewer systems or frequent heavy rainfall.

6. Check Hidden Areas for Mold and Mildew

Older homes often have hidden spaces, creating ideal conditions for mold and mildew to grow unnoticed. Inspect the home's attics, crawl spaces, basement, underneath sinks, and any other hidden areas, looking for discoloration or musty odors.

If moisture is detected, use a dehumidifier to remove dampness and keep moisture controlled. Additionally, address factors such as poor ventilation or uncontrolled moisture that may contribute to mold and mildew growth.

7. Upgrade Waterproofing in the Basement

Inspecting the basement in an older home may reveal inadequate waterproofing, making it a high-risk area for potential water damage. Basements and older homes often lack drainage systems or sump pumps.

Sealing cracks in the foundation is crucial to prevent water from intruding into the basement. Consider upgrading or adding a drainage system or a vapor barrier in the basement. If the area is prone to flooding or has frequent dampness, it may need professional waterproofing.

8. Monitor and Clean Gutters and the Roof

A home's roof and rain gutters serve as its first line of defense against water damage. However, older homes are more vulnerable due to aging structural materials. Roofs that have endured years of the elements may have missing, cracked, or worn shingles and damaged flashing, which allows water to seep underneath the roofing and into the home's attic and walls.

Clogged rain gutters can prevent water from moving correctly, leading to pooling at the roof level or flooding near the home's foundation. An annual roof inspection, with regular cleaning and repairs, especially after storms, can identify and prevent problems such as leaks and interior water damage.

9. Update Older Fixtures and Appliances

Preventing water damage in older homes includes appliance inspections. When certain appliances fail, they can cause leaks, flooding, and water damage. If a water heater is older than 10 to 15 years, it is likely due for a replacement. Additionally, inspect appliance hoses, such as those for dishwashers, for signs of wear or cracks. For high-risk appliances, install a water leak detector nearby.

If the home still retains its original plumbing, install upgraded, modern fixtures and appliances with built-in water efficiency. This move can reduce strain on the plumbing system and help prevent leaks and water damage.

10. Maintain Exterior Drainage Systems

Proper drainage in outside yard areas is essential for preventing water from pooling or coming inside an older home. Ensure that rain gutters and downspouts are positioned to direct water away from the home foundation.

For improved water management, install French drains or extended downspouts to direct water away from the home. Check the landscaping to ensure that the areas around the home remain appropriately graded. Avoid planting shrubs or trees with invasive roots near the foundation to prevent potential cracks.

Stay Ahead of Plumbing Problems

Ensuring the health of an older home's plumbing system requires proactive, routine maintenance and timely repairs to prevent expensive water damage. Regular plumbing and home inspections lay the foundation for preserving the property's structural integrity.

For multi-unit properties, partnering with SERVPRO®, the experts in commercial property maintenance, can help ensure the homes receive essential maintenance, water damage prevention, and professional, high-quality repairs. Contact us today to see how we can help!