Everyone dreads the discovery of water dripping from the ceiling, running down walls and from under sinks, or pooling in their basement. Not only can it be challenging to find and stop the source of the leak, but you may also be unprepared for cleanup and the resulting home water damage. The good news is that many floods and leaks are easily preventable!
We’ll cover the top ways any homeowner can prepare against water damage. After all, averting house damage is much easier than cleaning it up! Read on for more:
Plumbing:
Many preventable home leaks are a result of old or unmaintained plumbing. You don’t need to be a plumber to check your pipes either―simply looking at your pipes, hoses, and faucets is a preventative measure.
Places to check at least once a year include:
- Washing machine hose
- Under sinks (move any cupboard storage to check thoroughly)
- Around showers and tubs
- Under toilet tanks
- Fridge ice maker hose
When checking your pipes, don’t only look for running water―condensation, drip spots, mildew, and rust are all signs of water getting out of the pipes. You may even spot a leaky pipe in your water bill before you see it in your home, as the EPA estimates that 10% of homeowners lose 90 gallons of water or more a day due to faulty pipes!
Part of prevention is containment, so make sure everyone in your home knows where the emergency water shut-off valve is.
Basement:
Basement leaks are another common source of home water damage. Most cement seals have ten-year warranties, so it’s unlikely to have a flood in a newer home. But, if you notice condensation on baseboards, warped doors, or a mildew smell, you may need your basement resealed.
You’ll also want to know where water drains from your yard―if you are downhill or in an older home that has settled deeper into the ground since its construction, consult a professional to see if you are at risk for flooding.
Home Exterior:
The final common way water gets into homes is through the exterior: your roof, windows, and sprinkler system. A few easy tips to waterproof home exteriors are:
- Check your windows for signs of condensation or warping― you may need to replace them.
- Keep your gutters clean and clear since each gallon of water adds 8 pounds of strain on your roof.
- Have your sprinkler system inspected seasonally. Sprinklers may not be part of the infrastructure of your home, but they certainly contribute to home floods.
Has water damaged any part of your home? Then don’t delay calling professional water damage repair services!
At A+ Restoration Services, we pride ourselves on delivering 5 star water damage cleanup and restoration services in the Indianapolis area. Don’t hesitate to give us a call for a consultation, or save our information, so you feel prepared for any future flood or leak.