Water damage is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. It can be expensive and time-consuming to repair.
Unfortunately, it’s one of the most common homeowner insurance claims aside from wind and hail damage. Water damage can occur for a number of reasons. It can be due to an external cause such as roof damage after a storm. Or it could be the result of an issue within the home such as a burst pipe. Although some circumstances may be out of your control, there is a lot you can do to get ahead of potential water damage.
Keep Up With Maintenance
One of the best ways to prevent water damage is to stay on top of household maintenance. Many instances of water damage crop up as a result of neglect. Let’s take a look at some proactive measures you can take to prevent water damage.
Sewer-Safe Landscaping
Trees and shrubbery can do a number on plumbing. After years of wrapping around pipes, sometimes roots can get too big and cause a rupture. A good way to get ahead of this is to consult best practices around sewer-safe landscaping before planting any new plants around your home. If you already have plants near piping, you might need to remove them before they get too big.
Seal the Basement
If you have one – basements are notorious for flooding. Not only do they house a lot of piping, but they’re also more vulnerable to external leaks coming from outside of the home. Cracks in the foundation or floor slab can easily give way to seepage after a storm. If you notice any undue moisture, it might be time to apply water sealant to the cement floors and walls of your basement.
Inspect Tubs and Showers
Showers and tubs are another vulnerable part of your home. Over time, the caulking that keeps bathwater in will start to deteriorate. You will likely need to replace it 5 years after the initial installation. If your caulking is getting old or you notice it starting to break down, replace it before a leak can occur.
Clean Out Gutters
Gutters collect a lot of gunk throughout the warmest months of the year. Leaves, dust, and other debris can overwhelm your gutters if they aren’t cleaned at least twice a year. Water can accumulate on your roof if it’s not able to flow through your gutter. This is an even bigger issue in winter when an ice dam can form and trap even more standing water on your roof.
Blow Out Sprinklers Before Winter
Another precaution you can take before winter is to blow out your sprinkler system. Standing water will remain in the piping of the system long after your last use of the summer. If you don’t blow it out (winterize), it can freeze, expand, and cause a burst pipe.
Maintain Appliances
Appliances are another common source of water damage. Washing machines and refrigerators are especially susceptible to leaks. It’s important to regularly check the hoses running to these appliances for any excessive wear and tear. If they do look like they’re in bad shape, it might be time to replace them.
Know Your Plumbing
Get familiar with the inner workings of your plumbing system in order to detect and stop potential leaks. Sometimes the best thing you can do to prevent far-reaching water damage is to know the signs so you can nip it in the bud before it gets too intense.
Monitor Water Pressure
Your water pressure will clue you in on any possible leaks. Water pressure should hover around 60 PSI. Added pressure beyond this can lead to issues. Pipes and hoses typically can’t withstand pressure above 80 PSI. If you suspect that high pressure is an issue in your home, install a monitor to alert you to any problems.
Install Water Detection Devices
Even after every possible precaution, leaks can still occur. Install a water detection device to warn you when a leak starts. They’re usually found near the kitchen, washing machine, or toilet. When the sensor detects excess moisture, an alarm goes off. This is a great way to get ahead of extreme water damage.
Locate Water Main Shutoff
If you do have the misfortune of finding a leak, it’s vital to know where the water main shutoff is located. Track it down and make sure everyone old enough to operate it in your household knows where it is in case of a leak. If you come to find out you don’t have one, install one as soon as possible.
Don’t Leave the Water Running
Sure, a lot of faulty fixtures and structural damage can lead to water damage, but one of the main causes of water damage is: Someone left the water running.
Yes, it’s an obvious thing to turn the water off, but we all have those moments when we leave the bathtub running for too long and it starts to overflow. If you have kids, they’re notorious for leaving things running. A lot of water damage stories come from kids leaving the water on.
Look Out For Signs of an Ongoing Leak
Even a small leak can cause destruction if it’s not handled right away. Mold, dry rot, and even structural damage are not uncommon when water damage isn’t addressed in a timely manner. Be on the lookout for indications of a leak so you can act quickly to mitigate the damage.
Some signs of a leak:
- Musty or foul smell
- Presence of mold or mildew
- A spike in your utility bill
- Wet, warped, damaged walls
- Overly damp patches in the lawn
Call In the Pros When Water Damage Strikes
970 Services is your trusted NoCo water damage restoration provider when you find a leak. Our licensed contractors know their way around water damage whether it’s coming from the roof or a burst pipe. We pride ourselves on quick response time and precise craftsmanship every time. Get in touch with us today!