Dealing with leaks can be a stressful and urgent issue. Whether it’s a minor drip or a major flood, leaks can lead to water damage, mould growth, and costly repairs if not addressed promptly and properly.
READ: How to identify mould and what to do if you have it in your home
Locate the source of the musty smell
It's time to take a look and a sniff around. Until you identify the source of the musty smell, you'll never be able to get rid of it—and it can get worse.
- Begin your search in areas that are often warm and moist, like a bathroom.
- In the kitchen, look for leaks around the sink and dishwasher.
- In the bedroom and living areas, look around window seals for leaks and under potted plants that can leak.
- Don't forget to take a trip to the attic, basement, and garage to check for damp areas around windows, water heaters, and vents.
- Check for leaks around the washer and around the doors of front-load washers that can harbor mildew in the laundry room.
- Leaks can travel within walls, sometimes originating inside them as well.
- In the kitchen, cabinets and pantries can also cause a problem if a bottle or jar of liquid has knocked over inside.
According to Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa dealing with leaks promptly and effectively can save you time, money, and stress. “Leaks can leave lasting damage that will affect the resale value of the home. Buyers will be put off by any damages or stains left by a leak, which is why it is best not to take any short cuts when addressing these kinds of issues,” he recommends.
To help homeowners deal with leaks effectively, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares a few useful tips…
Identify the source
Check common leak points such as:
Plumbing (check under sinks, geysers, around faucets and toilets for drips, etc.)
Appliances (e.g. washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators)
Windows and doors (check seals and frames for gaps)
Roof and pipes (check walls and ceilings for discolouration or signs of mould growth, such as black spots or a musty smell)
READ: Refresh and rejuvenate your bathroom
How to get rid of mould
Home-Dzine provide says safety should be the most important concern when dealing with any type of fungus or mould. DO wear a dust mask, preferably one that incorporates replaceable carbon filters and DO wear gloves.
- Open all the windows and doors to allow cross-ventilation through the area where you will be working
- Where there is bubbling or peeling paint, use a paint scraper to remove all the loose paint
- Pour white spirit vinegar into a spray bottle and use this to liberally wet the infected area and leave for 2 to 4 hours to soak into the surface
- Use a stiff scrubbing brush to go over the infected area
- Rinse with clean water and allow to dry naturally
- If paint was removed from the wall, apply a plaster primer once the wall is dry and then paint over this
You can repeat the application of white spirit vinegar if there are still traces of mould or if the mould has been there for quite some time.
Limit further damage
Goslett continues to share that if it is a plumbing issue, turn off the water at the mains to prevent further damage. If the leak is coming from outside the home, use buckets and towels to try and catch the moisture. Where possible, use temporary solutions, like repair tape or a tarp, to contain the leak until it can be properly repaired.
Call in a professional
Unless it is a simple repair like tightening a loose faucet, these kinds of issues are typically best addressed by a qualified professional. This is not the time to attempt your first DIY project. Before calling somebody out, check their reviews online to make sure you are dealing with somebody who is reputable.
Allow enough dry time
Once the source of the leak has been stopped, it is important to thoroughly dry the area before doing any further repairs on surrounding damages. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to speed up the drying process. This step is crucial to prevent mould growth, which can begin within 24-48 hours of water exposure.
"Unchecked leaks can pose serious risks to the homeowner, including structural damage and mould growth. Apart from this, it will also significantly impact a home's resale value, leading to costly repairs that will eat into the potential returns a seller will make on the sale of their home. As costly as it might be to repair the leak immediately, it is far better to act quickly than to delay the repairs,” Goslett advises.
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