13 Ways To Prevent Water Damage In Your Home

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As a homeowner, you dread the thought of dealing with water damage in your home.  One of the best ways to ensure you never have to deal with water damage, that you can control, is to be proactive and establish preventative measure for inside and outside of your home.  There are several ways you can prevent water damage.

Outside

• If you have an old roof, be sure to inspect it often and replace any missing shingles.
• Inspect and routinely clean your gutters.  Clogged gutters will force water that builds up to go down the side of your home, which can damage the foundation.  
• Make sure your yard slopes away from your home for at least 10 feet and direct all water drains away from your home.  Water that settles near you foundation will cause damage to the bricks and cause walls to lean and create cracks.
• Invasive roots may enter your pipes, drainage lines, or septic tank; therefore, you should be extra care were you plant your scrubs and trees.
• Check windows for water spots below them and seal and caulk any areas where water is entering. 

Inside

• Routinely inspect the hoses on you dishwasher and washing machine for any damage or leaks. 
• Make sure your pipes are tight underneath your sinks. 
• Have your appliances serviced to confirm they are working properly.  Many repair services equip their service vehicles with full service components so technicians can remedy any issues you may have.
• Because chemical products can cause your piping to deteriorate over time, use drain snakes to clean out your kitchen and shower drains.  Use a drain catcher in the shower to limit the amount of hair getting into the pipes.
• Refrain from pouring grease down your drain, as the grease will congeal and cause clogging.  Using detergent behind the grease may not stop grease from clinging to lining of the pipes.
• Pay attention to your water bill.  If you see increasing charges, you may have a water leak.  Some leaks may go undetected because the leaking pipe may be in the wall or under the home.
• Replace rubber hoses with metal braided hoses, which last longer, needing replacement every 15 years.
• Look for signs of mold on surface walls, especially walls near faucets and showers, which may indicate water behind the walls.

Water damage in your home can be very costly, but prevented, as well.  Be a proactive homeowner by inspecting drain lines and pipes and paying attention to signs, which indicate possible water issues. 

To learn more, contact a water restoration company like Servpro Of South Elkhart Co. 

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30 November 2015