Worried about water leakages damaging your furniture and costing you thousands in repairs? Here is some home restoration advice so you can avoid the most common causes of water damage. There are endless reasons why your home might face water damage. From faulty appliances to leaky pipelines and clogged sinks, all of these can cause flooding in your house. Not only is it costly to locate the source of water damage and get it fixed, but you will also be left with damaged furniture, appliances, and a huge mess to clean. Fortunately, learning about the common causes of water damage can help you avoid these expensive issues. The Exterior By taking good care of the fixtures outside your home, you can prevent water from making its way inside. Here are some things you should look at. Disconnect the Hose Disconnecting your hose from the outdoor faucet should always be on your to-do list. It seems simple enough, but people often overlook this simple task and then end up with severe water damage. Since standing water in the hose will freeze quickly and create an ice block, it can cause your water flow to be interrupted and even result in burst pipes. Worst case scenario, you will have damaged floors and walls because of the water. Get Your Gutters Cleaned Regularly Another key component to prevent water damage is gutter cleaning. All of your gutters and downspouts should be cleaned out properly, at least bi-annually, to avoid blockages. Remember that unmanaged gutters can cause damage to the very foundation of your home. So, you should be extra careful about it and hire professional home restoration services for the cleaning. The Interior Now that you’ve secured the exterior of your house, it’s time to take a look inside. Manage the following well to reduce the chances of water damage that can affect your furniture and other valuables. Learn About Your Water Main Ask any professional plumber, and they’ll tell you how the water main shutoff is the most critical water feature in your home. It supplies water to all the components inside and outside the house. Since water enters and leaves your pipes through the water main, you should know where the shutoff is located and how you can control it. This will help you in maintenance and also minimize damage should a water leak occur. Annual Appliance Maintenance Water-based appliances are among the most common causes of indoor water damage. By getting maintenance services at least once a year, you significantly reduce the chances of water leakages and other malfunctions. Check for the manufacturer’s recommendation on your appliances. We also advise our clients to pay special attention to the state of their refrigerators and washing machines. As they get old, the inner pipes tend to become brittle and more prone to leakages.  Being vigilant with these appliances will save you a lot of worries (and money too!) When water damage strikes, you need to find a home restoration service quickly. Contact STOP today!