Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common causes of damage to a home. Apart from the inconvenience, it costs Australian residents hundreds of millions of dollars in repair bills every year.

Below are just some things you can do to minimise the risk of water damage and the amount of damage it causes.

• Check shower bases regularly for cracks and the area around a shower base for water seepage.
• Check pipe and hose connections at least once a year for leaks and wear and tear.
• When on holidays shut off water supply to toilets, washing machines and dishwashers.
• Only a qualified plumber or tradesman should inspect and repair pipes.
• Don't leave bathtub or sinks unattended while they fill with water
• Don't flush foreign objects down the toilet.
• Replace old and cracked window putty.
• Clean drains, gutters and downpipes regularly or when necessary.
• Never leave an appliance such as a washing machine or dishwasher on when absent from the house.

If water damage occurs there are some things you can do:

• Stop the source of water.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and sponging.
• Move paintings, art objects, books and wooden furniture to a safe dry place.
• Remove damp books and spread them out to dry.
• Remove rugs for drying and cleaning.
• Turn on an air conditioner to promote drying (heating or cooling).
• Use fans to circulate the air.
• Don't enter a room covered in water if electricity supply is still on.
• Don't use a normal dry vacuum cleaner to extract water from carpet.
• Wait for professional help to lift tacked-down carpet.
• Don't use electrical appliances while standing on a wet surface.
• Wipe wooden furniture dry.
• Open cupboard doors and drawers for drying.
• Remove wet clothes for cleaning and drying.
• Hang leather goods to dry at room temperature.
• Lift curtains and drapes off wet carpet and loop through a coat hanger off the curtain rail.
• Put aluminium foil or glad wrap between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Remove any object that may lose colour.