One in 50 insured homes has a water damage claim every year!
Water damage is one of the most common and destructive types of property damage. The good news is you can take measures to reduce the risk of water damage to your home.
Read on to learn how to help protect your home from leaks, burst pipes, standing water, and floods.
Outdoor Water Damage Prevention
It’s essential to maintain the outside of the home in order to protect us from harsh elements and unwanted water. Once the barrier of the home is compromised, rain or snow may be able to find its way in and cause damage.
There are a few regular measures you can take to help reduce the risk of water damage inside your home!
Clean Gutters
Gutters are an external part of the pipe system that helps rainwater and snow drain from the roof. To prevent blockages you should clean the gutters two times a year, and more if you live in a heavily wooded area. The downspouts should also remain clear and aim away from the house.
Blockages can create standing water in the gutter and on the roof. If it isn’t properly drained, it can back up and cause severe damage to the house. The risk is even higher in the winter months when an ice dam can form from a blockage.
When the debris in the gutters isn’t regularly cleared, blockages can cause enough backup that water seeps through the roof and walls.
Regular Roof Inspections
To prevent water damage you must inspect the roof inside and out. If you’re not physically able to do so, have a professional come out to take a look.
The roof is met with pouring rain, pounding hail, melting snow, and intense winds. Water can easily leak through the roof if it has any structural damage.
Standing water or piles of snow can cause a roof collapse if left too long. In the wintertime, make sure to facilitate roof snow removal if appropriate.
Even one missing shingle can lead to immense water damage internally. Making sure the roof is secure and isn’t susceptible to any leaks is one of the most important parts of water damage prevention.
Landscape
Maintaining the environment surrounding your home is essential in order to prevent water damage. Both above and below the ground!
Roots of plants can wrap around pipes and cause cracks or breaks. Try not to plant near the underground pipes if possible.
Be sure to keep an extra eye out for clogged gutters if you have a lot of trees and vegetation surrounding your home.
Indoor Water Damage Prevention
Water damage comes from more than bad weather and backed-up gutters. Taking preventative measures to avoid water damage inside of the house is just as important!
Pipes in walls and underground comprise the plumbing system. These connect showers, toilets, appliances, and sinks with a water source.
These simple steps and observation tips can help you prevent water damage and identify problematic areas within the home.
Check for Mold
Mold is a telltale sign of the presence of moisture. If you find mold inside the home you should try to detect where it’s coming from. Be sure to get rid of the mold as it can cause health issues.
It could be something as simple to fix as a leaky faucet or the mold may suggest a much bigger water problem. If you see mold, it could mean that water damage is already occurring, or is imminent.
Install Water Detector
One of the most proactive ways to fend off water damage is to install a water detector. This device alarms when it identifies moisture. You’re able to install it near appliances and pumps so that leaks can be found fast.
When the water detection device senses a water leak, it shuts off the main water supply access. This is super helpful to avoid catastrophic damage when you’re not home. If you do detect water, it’s time for the professionals to come in and clean up.
Keep An Eye Out For Leaks
People often don’t think of their water access and plumbing system until there is a problem. Be aware the minute there is an issue by always looking for signs of leaks.
Leaks come in many shapes and sizes. Big leaks may be obvious to the eye, but make sure to keep an eye out for smaller leaks as they can be problematic over time!
Maintain Appliances
Any appliance that uses water should be cleaned and inspected often. Washer machines and dishwashers are more prone to leaks and floods.
The piping that delivers water to and takes water from these appliances can break. This can cause flooding or leaks leading to massive water damage.
Inspect Sinks
What you pour down the sink matters for the health of your plumbing and house! Caustic chemicals used to unclog sinks can cause damage to the pipes. Excessive hair, debris, and grease can create bad clogs and lead to actual blockages and a backup of water.
You should inspect sinks and drains on a daily basis. Try a drain strainer to block any unwanted materials from going down the drain, and utilize a drain snake when you have to face clogs.
Examine Bills
One way to prevent water damage from occurring is by identifying small leaks in your home that you may not find with the naked eye.
Observe your water bill every pay period to see if any big inconsistencies appear. If you notice that the water bill is larger without any great changes in use, you may have a leak.
Be Water Smart
One way to prevent water damage inside your home is to become knowledgeable about the appliances, tools, and valves around your home.
The last thing you want to deal with during a leak or pipe break is to figure out where the main shut-off valve is. In an emergency you can go right to the valve and turn off the water supply to your whole house, preventing any more water from leaking and causing damage.
It would be wise to figure out the water pressure of your home. Most homes fall within a range of pressure that the pipes can handle. If the water pressure is higher than the pipes are able to withstand, breakages and leaks can ensue.
When you leave your home for an extended period of time make sure to turn off the water valve.
Suspect Water Damage?
Knowing the proper preventative measures to lower your risk of experiencing water damage is so important to the health of your home. This enables you to identify small problems before they become big ones.
The thing is, water damage isn’t always preventable. If you do have to deal with water damage, you should bring in a trusted professional to handle the task. These things need to be done the right way or they may further damage.
PNW Restoration is your local expert for all things clean up and restoration related. Contact us today to get more information!
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