Water Damage Atlanta – What to do next?

Water damage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare.

Not only can water damage happen in a multitude of ways, but it can cause an array of problems from structural damage to health problems for you and your family.

What are some common ways a homeowner can prevent water damage? The following preventative measures will not only help keep unwanted water from entering your home, but can prevent the high costs of water damage repairs and damage clean-up fees:

Roof maintenance:

Your roof is your first defense for water leaks due to rain and melting snow. Roofs can be constructed of different materials depending on the type of home you live in, but all serve the purpose of protecting you and your belongings from the outside elements. Regular roof maintenance is crucial to keep it in good condition year-round.

Key elements in roof maintenance are to check for:

• Corrosion
• Wear and tear of any area of the roof
• Flu and chimney damage
• Damage caused by weather; such as, wind, heavy rain or hail

Repair, patch or replace the roof as necessary to prevent leaks.

Gutters and downspouts:

Damaged or aged gutters and downspouts can create the perfect situation for water damage to your home. Regular checks, maintenance and replacement of gutters and downspouts will help prevent water from accumulating or seeping into your home’s structure.


Windows are susceptible to losing their seal as your home ages as well as weather conditions. Inspecting the windows throughout your home can save you on costly water damage bills. Check around your windows for water stains as well as for any sign of air leaks around the windows’ seals. Air seeping in means there is a break in the seal and can be a perfect entry point for water into your home. Re-caulking windows will help prevent water damage due to rain or melting snow.

Irrigation systems:

Irrigation systems are convenient for homeowners in maintaining their lawn; especially large lawns. However, irrigation systems need to be routinely checked to make sure there are no leaks in the system that can cause flooding to the yard and cause structural damage to your home.


Plumbing problems are one of the most common causes of water damage to homes. A leaky toilet, tub, shower or plumbing pipe can quickly cause significant damage to your flooring and walls. Check all aspects of your plumbing system regularly. Any signs of a leak should be repaired and rectified as soon as possible. You can have your plumbing pipes inspected by a professional plumber to be sure there are no hidden leaks you can’t see.

Check other common leak areas:

There are several common areas of a home where leaks can start:

•The attic
•Under sinks
•The refrigerator
•Behind the washing machine
•Around the hot water heater

Being diligent in watching for and hunting down leaks is the best way to prevent water from entering and collecting where it shouldn’t, in your home. The sooner a leak is found and repaired, the less chance it will have to damage your home and your belongings.

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Prevention Is The Way With Carpet Water Damage

Stop water damage before it starts!

When your home or business goes through water damage, the repair bill will be enormous. You could have a weakened structure, your home electrical systems and appliances will be badly damaged. Water damage is the most common culprit that weakens the foundations of your home.  But don’t take my word for it, see what the CS Water Pros have to say.

But there are methods to prevent this damage from happening.

Water buildup and its prevention.

Water buildup is where the water around your home’s foundations exceeds the capacity of the removal systems to properly and completely drain it.

Two ways water buildup can occur:

  1. Sewer systems overflowing through the drains in your basement, if you have one that is.
  2. Surface water can seep inside the foundation walls.

Ways you can prevent Water build up.

  1. Maintain your gutters. Keep them free of debris such as leaves, and repair them if necessary, like when you find them sagging. Inspect their water capacity after a heavy rainfall, and if the water overflows you will need to install downspouts.
  2. Adjust the landscaping and the irrigation to help water flow away from your foundations.
  3. You can prevent the backflow of sanitary water, do this by installing backflow valves at all basement drains. Include sinks and toilets.
  4. Prepare your basement. Raise anything electrical-heaters, washing machines above flood water levels.

How to recover from water buildup.

    1. Dry your rugs, carpets, and personal items.
    2. Remove water to protect structural damage.
    3. If anything is in contact with sewer water, you need to clean it.
    4. Find and consult licensed building professionals to determine the damage and begin repairs to your structure.

Mold prevention

Mold is the excessive buildup of moisture in buildings. It can be prevented by these steps:

  1. Control the moisture. This is the key to preventing mold.
  2. Fix any leaks the moment you notice them.
  3. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms/kitchens to remove outside moisture.
  4. Use air conditioners and Dehumidifiers to reduce moisture.
  5. Put up storm windows, and see about insulation.


How to deal with any mold that occurs.

  1. Fix leaky pipes or other sources. If they leak, it might attract mold.
  2. Get rid of excess water.
  3. Remove any absorbent material when it gets wet; carpet, ceiling tiles.

Other ways to prevent water damage.

  1. Maintain your roof to prevent any leaks. Wind or hail damage will be a factor of deterioration in your roof.
  2. Ensure your irrigation system is in good condition. Any leaks could easily waste as much as 50 to 100 gallons and you’d never know it.
  3. Check your windows for any water damage. Any leaks mean water is getting inside. Make sure the windows are tightly sealed. Replace any caulking if it’s needed.
  4. Refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers are all culprits of potential water damage. Check them frequently.
  5. As stated above, use humidity systems to keep below 55%. Choose a portable dehumidifier with a humidity control, preferably one that shuts off when the collector pan is full.
  6. Using food coloring, remove the tank lid of your toilet and flush. When it refills, add dark food coloring. Any trace of color appearing means you have a leak.

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