On Your Side

Water, in several of its many forms, flows into, under and onto most of our houses on a constant basis. Plumbing pipes wind through the house, hidden behind walls.

Excess bathroom humidity gets vented in one direction. Tubs, sinks and toilets drain in another.

The home's heating, cooling and ventilating system quietly controls indoor humidity for optimal comfort, year in and year out.

The house sheds rainwater and snow off the roof, through downspouts and gutters.

Groundwater moves under or around the foundation walls.

The structure itself absorbs and releases moisture vapor and condensation across the seasons.

In a well-built and maintained house, water is a comfort and a health-sustaining element that presents no problem. But, if water, in any of its forms, isn't properly managed, or if your home's water management systems aren't properly maintained, not only will your home lose value - it can lead to serious expense, health problems, structural damage, and the loss of valuable personal property.

Watchfulness and regular maintenance are a homeowner's keys to preventing moisture and mold problems from developing in the home. Use these handy checklists to go room-by-room and check for the tell-tale signs of undesirable moisture intrusion.

If you see any of the warning signs, take steps to have the source of the problem eliminated immediately. Some jobs are easy and you can do them yourself. Others may require additional help by a professional to assess or repair.

Either way - don't procrastinate! Have moisture problems repaired immediately. The longer you wait the more expensive and possibly even damaging the results will be.

Water Damage Warning Checklists

• In the Kitchen


• In the Bathroom


• In the HVAC System


• In the Utility Room


• In the Attic


• In the Laundry Room


• In the Basement


• Around the Exterior