There is very little worse than losing your possessions to water damage. Before you have to go through all that endless insurance paperwork, learn how to prevent the problem! Follow these 10 easy tips and you won’t have to worry about water putting a damper on your life:
Always Look into Leaks
Find out where leaks are coming from as soon as you see them. From there, you can temporarily contain the problem with buckets or shut the water off until you can have them fixed.
Maximize Gutters
Make sure your gutters are doing their job by keeping them clog-free and making sure they are flowing away from your home. Use trenches and gutter extensions as needed.
Install Rain Barrels
Installing rain barrels near your downspouts can help collect water from rainfall. This will help protect your home from overflow when sewage systems are overtaxed.
Check and Update Appliances
The hoses bringing water to your appliances have a lifespan. Ensure they don’t leak water by checking all water hoses often and replacing worn out or damaged ones as needed. Also check around your appliances to make sure no water is escaping from anywhere else.
Monitor Water Bill
Keeping an eye on your water bill is a great way to notice differences in your water usage. If your consumption spikes, chances are you have extra water being deposited somewhere. Consult a professional if this happens.
Remove Resting Water from Hoses
In the cold weather, any water left over in hoses can freeze and expand, causing damage to the hose. Make sure to remove unused hoses and drain them for storage in the winter.
Maintain Trees & Vegetation
Trees around your yard are always growing. As their roots stretch out, they can wrap around and damage pipes. When landscaping, try not to plant trees near utility pipes. Consult a professional: if a plant grows too large, it may need to be removed.
Check Water Pressure
If your water pressure is above 100 psi, it may cause damage to pipes and hoses. You can test your pressure with a tool from any hardware store and install a regulator where necessary.
Seal Cracks in Foundation Walls and Basement Floor
Those seemingly harmless cracks in the concrete in your basement can become a gateway to flooding when water is present. Make sure they’re always sealed shut.
Detect Leaks Before it’s Too Late!
Stay on top of everything mentioned above, install water detection devices, and have someone monitor your leakage if you’re away for more than a couple of days. A water detection device can often find a leak long before you do, so everyone should have one.
If you find any water in your home, don’t hesitate to contact H2O Drying Solutions today!
