Your home should be your refuge. No one likes to think of their refuge being compromised, but most people have no idea whether or not their home is actually secure. Fortunately, it is not difficult to ascertain the state of your home’s overall security. You simply have to be aware of the warning signs.

There can be many indicators that something is wrong with your home’s safety. However, there are three particularly prevalent indicators. This includes water damage, damaged outbuildings and plumbing problems. These warning signs are symptoms of underlying problems with the overall security of your home.

Water Damage

One of the first warning signs to watch for is water damage. The thing about water damage is that it often looks small. The first indications are usually minor and easy to overlook. However, this is part of the problem. The visible signs of water damage are usually only the start. The real damage often happens where you cannot see it, which means that those small signs are usually big problems.

There are a few different ways to notice water damage in your home. In some cases, you may see stains or discoloration on the walls or ceiling. Water damage may also cause your paint to crack or peel. Your walls, ceiling and floor could warp. There could also be visible evidence of mold or mildew. You may not even see the damage. Instead, you might smell the dampness or mustiness. Alternatively, you may hear the sound of water running or dripping. Some people notice the change in their water bill.

Whatever the damage may be, all of it must be addressed. To deal with water damage, you must find its source. This can involve examining your home’s roof, siding, foundation, windows and more. Leaks may also be related to plumbing. If you inspect your attic or basement, you may be able to find the source. However, you may need to hire a professional to trace and fix the source. This process is worthwhile since it increases the safety of your home.

Damaged Outbuildings

Outbuildings may not be connected to your home, but they are still an important part of your property. This can include garages, sheds, barns or even secondary houses. These buildings still need to be secure in order to promote safety across your property. After all, these buildings are still in use. You do not want to put yourself or anyone else at risk by having damaged outbuildings on your property. Too many people allow problems in their outbuildings to go unchecked, leading to further complications down the line.

There are many ways outbuildings can be damaged. The damage may be obvious like a tree falling on the roof or broken windows. However, these buildings are also prone to the elements. This means that rot and mold are major concerns. Moreover, your outbuildings may become infested with rodents (learn how to prevent rodent infestations) termites or other pests. People are also more likely to let the structural integrity of their outbuildings slide, which can lead to sagging and eventual collapse.

Repair work should always be done promptly, and it can help to upgrade the materials of your outbuildings. While many people opt for wood, wood is a material that does not always hold up well in the elements. For better performance, a metal outbuilding is preferred. A metal outbuilding can prevent many issues with rot, mold and decay, which can extend the life of your outbuildings and promote safety on your property.

Plumbing Problems

Running water has been a great invention to promote comfort, sanitation and safety. However, this is only the case when your plumbing is functioning the way it should. Plumbing refers to the network of pipes that run through your home, transferring water from one place to the next. Because plumbing is behind the walls or under the floor, it can be very hard to know exactly what is going on. Nonetheless, there are some signs when something is amiss.

Plumbing problems you may notice are dripping faucets, slow drains, running toilets or low water pressure. You may have trouble accessing hot water, and you may get blockages that prevent drainage all together. At first, these may simply seem like inconveniences, but they are signs that something is wrong. When your plumbing is faulty, your home’s security is in jeopardy. Faulty plumbing can quickly lead to other water issues throughout your home.

For simple plumbing problems, you may be able to do small fixes yourself. Leaky faucets may be changed out, and drain cleaners can prevent some clogs. The key is to regularly maintain your plumbing. If you suspect a more profound problem, then it is time to hire a plumber. Only a plumber can assess the pipes behind the scenes for a more accurate picture of your home’s security.