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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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!
I can’t recommend 970 Services enough! We had extensive hail damage & Andrew Golding came out & was so kind, grace filled & helpful. We had a hard time dealing with insurance & they partnered with me on the process making the roof replacement the easiest part of our hail damage experience. A++ you can’t go wrong! I absolutely would hire them again in a heartbeat.
We are very pleased with 970 Services work and their customer service. Our roof was damaged from hail and needed to be replaced. Aaron worked with our insurance supplemental team and ensured we got the full amount that was owed to us. He also made sure the work was done correctly on our roof with a post inspection. Very professional and friendly. Thank you 970 Services for all your help! Definitely recommend!
Steve and his crew have done several projects at our house (water remediation, painting, plumbing, minor electrical, etc.), and I would use them again in a heartbeat. They are professional, responsive, and do top quality work. Their detailed estimates show where every penny goes, and they let you know if something needs to change. It's a great feeling to know that I can reach out to Steve if there's a problem, and he'll find a way to solve it.
We had a water leak from our hot water heater and our insurance company recommended 970 Services. I cannot tell you how great they were. Steve scheduled us quickly, did a very thorough inspection of damages, set up drying equipment and got things headed in the right direction. He then coordinated all necessary sub contractors for drywall, flooring, and even requested to be present when the insurance adjuster arrived so that they couldn’t skimp on us. This is the company you want to work with and I will never call anyone else! Thank you Steve & 970!
WOW is the best word to describe our experience with this company and it’s employee’s! Talk about having integrity in what you do!!😃 The professionalism, attention to detail, craftsmanship and personable interactions blew my husband and me away. We have had plenty of not so good experiences and this company has restored our faith to trust a precessional to not only do their job well but to go above and beyond expectations. I’ve referred them to my family and friends and would refer them to any stranger. Thank you guys for taking such good care of our home! C. Rhamy
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