How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

While we would love to do water damage remediation for you, we understand that most people would rather not have water damage done to their homes. Here are a few tips that will help you prevent water damage!

1. Watch where you plant.

If you have landscaping around your house, be careful what you plant and how close you plant it to your home. Some types of trees and plants have invasive roots that can grow into pipes and sprinkler systems. Water can then leak into your home, causing water damage.

2. Keep your gutters clean.

This is on almost any homeowner’s to-do list, but it seems like it is always put on the back burner. Not cleaning out the roof gutters can cause more damage than you would think. Clean out leaves, sticks, nests, and anything else from your gutters. This should be done regularly. If they are clogged and it rains, the water will spill over and go directly into your home’s foundation. If your gutters are on a second story, think about getting a professional to clean them to prevent injury.

3. Watch your water bill.

Most water pipes are under floors or inside walls, which can make it hard to notice if there is a leak until it is too late. If you don’t use well water, keep an eye on your water bill. If you notice a large increase in the cost, this may be a sign that you have a leak somewhere.

4. Use a drain snake rather than chemicals.

Most people will have a clog in their plumbing at some point. If you try to tackle it yourself, make sure to use a drain snake and not unclogging chemicals. While it may remove the blockage, it can also eat away at your pipes and cause long-term problems leading up to water damage.

5. Disconnect hoses.

If you live in a colder area of the country, you will have to deal with frost and snow. Leaving hoses attached to your house when the temperature drops can freeze water that stays in the hose. This can cause the pipe to crack. Once it thaws, the water can pour into your home, causing water damage.

6. Check appliances.

This is a common way for a home to suffer from water damage. If you own appliances that use water (like washing machines and dishwashers), make sure to check the water lines regularly.

Hopefully, you are able to prevent water damage; however, if your home does have significate water damage, make sure to call a professional water remediation company. Mold is a common side effect of water damage and can be a major issue. Make sure the water is taken care of before the mold has time to spread.