As a local leader in water damage restoration, All Nation Restoration is constantly helping individuals and families in the community. The team knows the importance of building relationships, and the holidays can provide many opportunities for friends and family members to grow closer to each other. One of the most rewarding aspects of the holidays is giving presents and watching someone enjoy a thoughtfully selected gift. This holiday season, All Nation Restoration is advising people to be aware of gifts that have the potential to cause a water damage disaster in the home.
Gift #1: Indoor hot tub
An indoor hot tub is a gift that will make the recipient smile at the anticipation of enjoying a relaxing dip in the tub at the end of a long, hard day. Hot tubs are often used to ease sore muscles and can be a welcome present for an industrious office worker or a driven athlete. Indoor hot tubs, unlike their outdoor counterparts, can be used year-round despite the weather conditions. An indoor spa also offers additional privacy and convenience.
While smaller models are generally ideal for an indoor hot tub, even a small hot tub contains hundreds of gallons of water. Hot Tub Owner HQ, an online resource for hot tub owners, explains, “A small 2-3 person hot tub will hold approximately 300 gallons, whereas a large 7-7 person hot tub will hold up to 675 gallons or more.”
Improper installation, misuse, faulty craftsmanship, or wear can lead to a hot tub spilling water into the basement, patio, or hot tub room. Many leaks spring from the spa’s pump, but the tub’s filter, heater, shell, valves, and connections can also be sources of leakage.
An indoor hot tub, particularly a hot tub installed in the basement, can also lead to moisture damage over time. According to the spa experts at Hot Spring®, “When water is heated, it evaporates in the form of steam. Outdoors, the water vapor from a hot tub simply integrates with the surrounding air. But in a basement, eventually, it condenses back into water that settles on surfaces, including the walls, ceiling, floors, furniture, and fixtures. Over time, this condensation can create significant problems. Moisture encourages the growth of mold and mildew on surfaces. Many basement ceilings consist of timber joists and the bottom of the wood floor above. Water collecting on those surfaces can cause rot over time and serious structural issues. Ventilation of any indoor space with a hot tub is critical to prevent moisture problems from developing.”
Gift #2: Family vacation
The prospect of a vacation during the holidays is a source of excitement for the whole family. A week spent at the beach, the mountains, a resort, or a theme park can bring a family together and create beautiful memories that last a lifetime.
Extended absence from the home puts the house at risk of experiencing a water damage disaster that could have been trivial had someone been present to notice and deal with the water intrusion. A burst washing machine, refrigerator supply line, or other appliance failures can flood a home by the time the family returns from their week-long vacation.
Gift #3: Waterbed
Long considered a relic of the 1980s, Waterbeds are poised to experience a comeback as technology and waterbed designs improve. In a 2018 interview with CBS, Charlie Hall, the original inventor of the waterbed, presented a redesigned and reimagined waterbed that would appeal to modern consumers. Hall’s company, Afloat, touts the benefits of this 21st-century waterbed for comfort, spinal alignment, temperature control, and hygiene.
For some, a waterbed is a nostalgic gift that offers the potential for a restful night’s sleep. However, waterbeds contain large quantities of water, and although advanced technology has made these beds more resistant to being punctured, leaks are still a concern.
Gift #4: New appliance
A new appliance, such as a dishwasher or a refrigerator, is a practical present that can make everyday life in the home much easier. The water risk with these types of gifts is improper installation. A family that has planned a family vacation for the holidays may arrive home to find that their icemaker was not installed correctly and has been gushing water onto the floor for days.
For more details about Austin, TX, water damage restoration, contact All Nation Restoration by email at info@AllNationRestoration.com. Staff can also be reached by phone at (512) 934-8180.
