An Essential Guide: Dealing With Leaks & Floods

An Essential Guide: Dealing With Leaks & Floods

Floods, leaks and burst pipes are the most common property emergencies faces by homeowners and businesses all too often. When disaster strikes, it is our first instinct to fix it, in whatever way we can—from tape, towels, to overflowing buckets. Yet before we begin to search for a solution, we first must identify the cause of the problem.

A burst pipe may be barely noticeable tucked away behind the boiler cupboard, but if it is left untreated, it may lead to irreversible damage. From buckling floors to bulging walls, unmitigated and untreated damp may threaten the entire structural integrity of a building. There are also numerous health risks associated with the growth of mould and bacteria cultivated by lingering, stale, and damp environments.

We know the prospect of insurance can be unsettling, from cash settled claims that do not begin to cover the extortionate fees of professional repair services to the sheer panic of realising you are not covered by flood insurance at all.

We have created this comprehensive guide to handling a leak or flood, complete with a step-by-step guide for the prevention of damage, and a list of Dantherm’s professional packages for restoring water damage.

Common Causes of Leaks & Floods

Severe Wet Weather: Perhaps the most obvious cause is severe rain, storms and high wind. From your roof tiles to the floorboards, severe wet weather can target your entire building structure, which can create new faults and breakages or highlight underlying and preexisting faults. In minor cases, a Dehumidifier can help to dry out your space effectively. Though, we still recommend staying up to date with repairs needed or the leakage may be far worse the next spell of heavy rain, as water quickly turns small problems into large, expensive ones.

Leaking Taps & Valves: If you see a leaking tap in your kitchen, bathroom, even from a radiator valve – don’t ignore it! Despite how small and seldom the leaking is, they can be accumulating large water damage below the surface. You may only notice the extend of this damage until you spot an obvious stain on the walls or floors.

Leaking Boiler: For the same reasons as taps and valves, leaking boilers can cause considerable damage if left untreated. Plus, you may notice the water pressure dropping quickly, which is not only a sign of but means that your boiler may be working harder than necessary to maintain the pressure level, causing a rise in your water bills.

Clogged Guttering & Downpipes: Make sure you keep the guttering clear in both your roofing and pipework running inside the building, to prevent a build-up and overflow of heavy rain or water pressure, which can compromise the integrity of your walls, floor or roof. Similarly, check for loose or corroded pipes, which will also cause leakages and water damage.

Air Conditioning Systems: As much as air conditioners are lifesavers in the summer, they require regular cleaning and maintenance. Whilst operating they produce condensation which causes moisture to drip from the evaporator coil into the drain pan. If this pan is damaged or blocked with dirt and debris, the water can overflow and drip through the walls, leading to minor water damage.

Clear Signs of Water Damage:

Although it is strongly recommended that a professional leak detection process is undertaken, there are visible signs of water damage that can serve as the initial indicator of an underlying leak or flood. The time is takes for these signs to appear will depend on several factors, including the location of the damage, the materials affected and the amount of water.

These signs may include:

• Visible or standing water
• Changes in materials, such as bubbling, cracking or warping
• Dark spots and stains on ceilings or walls
• Discolouration of surfaces and furnishings
• Rust or corrosion on metals and pipes
• Presence of mould and mildew
• Stale, musty odour
• Unexpected increase in utility bills

Preventative Measures

Prevention is better than cure. Though most leaks from sudden bursts in pipes cannot be prevented, there are some steps you can take to ensure you are prepared for immediate action if an accident occurs. Here are some tips to help you avoid future floods:

• Inspect your home or workspace for signs of wear and tear on a regular basis, including walls and pipework.
• Clean and clear gutters and downspouts to prevent roof leaks.
• Insulate pipes to prevent freezing and bursting during the cold seasons.
• Replace old plumping fixtures and appliances to prevent system failure.

How To Stop A Leak

1.      Identify the Source

The first step in dealing with any leak is to identify what is causing it. Check all potential areas, including faucets, pipes, toilets and the roof. If the source isn’t immediately apparent, search for signs of water damage such as mould or damp spots on walls and ceilings and find a pattern or trail to discover the main source.

2.      Shut Off the Water

Once you successfully locate the source, shut off the water supply to prevent further leakage. For small leaks, you can close the specific fixture’s valve. For larger leaks, you may need to shut off the main water supply to your home or office space.

3.      Contain the Leak

Use any absorbent material to contain as much water content as possible to prevent spreading and further damage. From buckets, towels or even tape if the leak is light enough. This will help minimise immediate damage to your building.

How To Deal With Water Damage

Looking for an all-in-one, cost-effective exclusive package deal? Your solution: Dantherm Water Mitigation Packages. Using specialist drying equipment in an all-in-one solution can save you valuable time, money and the hassle of traditional DIY methods that are often insufficient for excessive leaks and flooding.

Dantherm Solutions offer excellent water damage restoration bundles designed for enabling a business or homeowner to dry out a single room or larger area of water damage, with little to no expertise, experience or skill required.

These comprehensive packages are designed to handle everything from minor leaks to major flooding, offering a cost-effective solution for business and homeowners. The basic, advanced and pro packages include the same premium products in different quantities based on the extent of damage they are designed to restore.

Packages At A Glance

Included in each package:

• Portable Dehumidifier: The Trotec TTK QUBE is a premium compressor dehumidifier, designed to rapidly removes moisture from the air, removing excess water content from the atmosphere and preventing mould growth, helping to speed up the drying process.
• Radial Drying Fan: The Trotec TFV 29 FS is a multifaceted turbo fan can operate in flexible positions to accelerate the drying process in any tight space, including stairwells, walls and ceilings thanks to the ultra-compact design.
• Leak Detection Kit: Two smart-app controlled electronic sensors, the BM31WP AppSensor Moisture Indicator and BC21WP AppSensor Thermohygrometer, are incorporated to create a humidity matrix for tracking moisture values and analysing the extent of water damage. The data provided by the sensors help to identify the source of the leak with precision and accuracy. All of which can be viewed within the free MultiMeasure App from the convenience of your smartphone.

Dantherm Basic Package

Ideal For Minor Leaks & Small Floods

For minor floods or small-scale leaks, the Dantherm Small Trotec Water Mitigation Package has you covered, offering an efficient drying solution and achieving effective water damage mitigation. This package includes one of each product to serve as the essential tools for basic restoration and repairs.

Dantherm Advanced Package

Perfect for Moderate Water Damage

For medium-sized floods and larger leaks, the Dantherm Medium Trotec Water Mitigation Package is the ideal solution, preventing further leakage and damage. Featuring two premium compressor dehumidifiers, four multifaceted radial fans, and two smart app-controlled electronic sensors, this package contains professional-grade solution for handling larger areas and more extensive moisture removal and repair.

Dantherm Pro Package

Best For Severe Water Damage & Flooding

For heavy flooding and substantial water damage at home, the Dantherm Large Trotec Water Mitigation Package is a lifeline in desperate times of need. Designed for heavy-duty moisture removal, the package includes four premium dehumidifiers, eight multifaceted radial fans and two smart app-controlled electronic sensors. This powerful water extraction system is capable of monitoring and restoring extensive water damage.

Why Trust In Dantherm Solutions?

• Reliable: Dantherm products are renowned for their durability and unbeatable performance.
• Efficient: All Dantherm packages are designed to quickly address water damage, reducing the risk of long-term loss or destruction of appliances or property.
• Cost-Effective: Dantherm offer comprehensive packages that provide all the necessary tools and equipment for a complete permanent solution, saving you money on separate purchases or re-hires if you face another leak or flood.
• Professional Quality: Trusted by professionals, Dantherm offers top-tier solutions for every business and homeowner so you can protect your home or workspace for years to come.

Conclusion

Dealing with a leak at home doesn’t have to be such a daunting task. By following the right steps and allowing quality solutions to carry out the hard work, you can effectively manage leaks and prevent future damage. Dantherm’s water restoration products and packages are trusted worldwide, by professional restorers and homeowners alike. Invest in the best and most affordable solutions, based on your budget and need, to keep your space safe, dry, and damage-free.