Are you worried about water damage at home? Follow these water damage prevention guidelines from a top-rated restoration company.
Did you know that water damage is among the most common and expensive types of residential insurance claims? According to Forbes, around 1 in 50 homeowners file a water damage claim, accounting for 24% of all insurance claims. The most viable solution to avoid costly repairs and losses is to prevent water damage.
This guide offers valuable advice on water damage prevention from experts at STOP.
How to Prevent Water Damage?
Stay Alert and Responsive to Leaks
Pipe and other leaks are among the most common causes of water damage in homes. This is largely because they either go undetected or are widely ignored until they become a serious problem. Procrastinating on the repair job paves the way for mold infestation and structural damage.
Hence, keep inspecting the pipes and other leaks and get them fixed with a permanent solution. This will not reduce the chances of more complex issues but also keep your water bill low.
Clear the Gutters and Downspouts
Over the course of a year, your roof gutters are filled with leaves, seeds, and other debris. When left unaddressed, they get clogged, causing the water to overflow to the ground around your home and damage the foundation and siding. To avoid blockage and ice dams, clean the gutters at least twice a year.
You also need to ensure that the water is directed to a safe distance from your home. This is where downspouts have a role to play. You’ll need to keep them clean too and make sure they discharge 5 to 10 feet from your home.
Inspect Your Appliances
Appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, etc., are another major cause of water damage. Proactively maintain them and track any issues before they cause the machines to malfunction. Refer to the manufacturers’ instructions when rendering maintenance and troubleshooting any issues.
Address the Grout in Bathrooms
Your showers and tubs are subject to constant exposure to moisture. Often built with tile and glass enclosures, they drain water and will prevent water from flowing outside the designated portion. Over time, water damages the caulking or grout between the tiles. If you don’t fix the grout lines and don’t timely caulk, the underlying drywall may get damaged.
Keep an Eye on Your Home
Certain parts of your home are not lived in, such as attics and crawlspaces, while others are less frequently visited, such as guest rooms and basements. Because of less attention, any leaks or water damage issues often go undetected. Since crawlspaces and basements are below the ground level, they are often subject to water seepage and are thus more vulnerable to water damage.
Hence, you should keep visiting and inspecting these areas of your home from time to time and address any issues as soon as you detect them.
As long as you follow the above-stated guidelines, you’ll not likely face water damage issues in your home. If you still face an emergency, seek professional home restoration services.
