Water is a very important part of our every day lives. Without it, we simply could not, would not exist. Period. And as much as we need water to survive, water can also cause some pretty extensive damage. Be it outside from a flood or rain storm or inside in the form of a leaking or even worse, broken pipe.

I find that many residents who live in a condominium kinda don’t think about the systems in their home. They seem to think because they pay this monthly HOA fee, that all is well. Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth. As a condominium owner (and really as a tenant as well) you are responsible from the exterior walls in. So, if your tub leaks, or your toilet leaks or your sink leaks, you are not only going to have to fix YOUR home, but you might be fixing your neighbors’ home as well. Next to a fire, water is the worst enemy for damage in a condominium building.

Drain piles can clog and valves and fittings develop leaks. Small leaks usually grow and can cause major water damage in your home. Fixing leaks right away and keeping an eye and ear out for them is critical.

Clean Your Drains
You can clean your drains in your sinks and tub by simply running hot water and then pouring a handful or so of baking soda down each of them. Let the hot water run for a few minutes and then repeat the procedure. This helps remove grease and sediments that buildup over time in your pipes. You may want to do this a couple of times a year.

Visual Inspections
Visually inspecting for leaks regularly is important. You can do this by checking under sinks and around toilets. Look for signs of moisture and leaks, rust or lime deposits (white) which are early signs of trouble coming.

Inspect around your toilet carefully looking for cracks in the toilet where it is bolted to the floor. Even a hairline crack can mean a leak is happening or developing. Look around the inlet pipes and on the tank bottom as well.

Drippy faucets and shower heads and toilet flush valves that operate poorly should be changed or fixed.

You’ve heard the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Spend a few moments in your Midtown Atlanta condominium or home and look for these signs before you have a bigger problem.