Whether you have issues with your water system malfunctioning or a pipe burst, dealing with water damage is challenging and sometimes expensive. The good news is it can be prevented when homeowners take the proper steps to avoid it. The following valuable tips can help with preventing water damage in your home.
Remove Debris from Spouts and Gutters
Keep your spouts and gutters clean. Flooding isn’t the only cause for damage. Structural damage can happen when gutters and spouts collect debris such as leaves and water from rain. The combination of debris and moisture can damage roofs, gutters, and even contribute to foundation cracks if gutter spouts don’t drain properly. Areas near your home or garage that collect water due to debris is also at risk for structural damage.
Be Aware of Where You Grow Plants
Gardening is a great hobby, and it helps your front and backyard look appealing. However, it is essential to be mindful of where you plant things near your home. Some plants have roots that spread as they mature, which could be problematic. You could be dealing with clogged pipes affecting your drainage and sprinkler systems. Consider planting further away from the home if the plant has roots that could spread into a water source. Even though water gets absorbed by the soil and plant takes it in for nutrients, the roots can take water from other sources such as pipes.
Keep Your Lawn in Good Condition
Water it to keep it moist, especially during dry weather or drought. The soil contracts and shrinks when it’s too dry. Openings and gaps result in around your lawn. Water damage is possible when the ground gets too dry and cannot reabsorb water. Adding a slope to your lawn can help direct water away from your home.
Know How to Switch Off the Water in Your Home
Are you familiar with your home’s water system? It’s good to know where the main switch is in case you need to turn it off if a pipe bursts. It also helps you understand how your home’s pipeline is set up. If a pipe bursts, it can contribute to water damage. Plus, you’ll gain control of the situation quickly if a pipe bursts without waiting for a professional to turn it off for you.
Keep an Eye on How Your Appliances Perform
Appliances that use water, such as the washing machine and dishwasher, could malfunction when you least expect it. When it happens, clean up any water immediately. Water from a malfunctioning machine can increase the chances of water damage and mold. Keep your water-dependent appliances clean by removing debris or anything that could clog up and slow down water flow. Debris could also reduce the performance and effectiveness of your appliances. Keeping them clean reduces the risk of flooding, leaks, and water waste. If any of these problems do occur, it helps reduce their severity.
Inspect Leaks When You Notice Them
Whenever a leak is found in your home, inspect it immediately. It can be a leak from the roof, pipeline, or basement. Ignoring it could lead to a bigger problem, such as water damage. Get the leak repaired as soon as you learn the source. Sometimes scheduled maintenance for certain things in your home could lead to a problem before it worsens. If you notice a pipe is leaking, it could be clogged. The clog can get cleared up before it results in a burst pipe.
Note Changes in Water Pressure
Burst pipes and flooding sometimes result from water pressure changes. Strong water pressure is not suitable for residential pipelines because of their design. Homeowners are encouraged to check their water pressure using a water pressure gauge you attach to an indoor faucet. Favorable water pressure for residential faucets is 40psi to 70psi. A water pressure regulator is needed if you get a reading above 100psi.
Monitor Your Water Bill
Your water bill can help you detect leaks in your home. Some leaks are not always visible, but your bill may hint at something unusual with your water consumption. Compare your statements from the last few months to recent bills. If the bill has experienced a substantial increase, you could have a leak. It could also mean you have undetected water damage, possible mold, or other structural issues. Search your home to see if you can find the source of a leak, such as under sinks and spaces where pipes exist. Hire a professional to check your pipelines.
Avoid Unclogging Drains with Chemicals
Unclogging drains at home is a challenging chore when using a plunger. Sometimes a plunger may not do the job well, and people use chemical-based products to unclog drains. While it may seem like an easier solution, it could damage your pipes if the chemicals are too strong without diluting them first. Some pipes become more susceptible to leaks when chemicals are used.
While taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of water damage is helpful, experiencing water damage is still possible. Working with the right professionals with experience handling water damage is essential to provide the best solution for your situation, including resolving other potential issues such as detecting and preventing mold.