Water damage is easy to happen and hard to restore. The effects are terrible and the cost for the water damage restoration is high. Wouldn’t it be better if you could prevent water damage instead of going through this nightmarish ordeal? Although you cannot foresee all possible causes, you can take the necessary steps to protect your home from such calamities. Rule number one: know your enemy. In other words, if you know the main causes of water damage, you can prevent the catastrophic results of such disasters.
The main water damage causes
Homes flood when pipes break, roofs leak, or appliances overflow. Water damage happens when there’s a sewage backup, the nearby river overflows, or the drains are clogged. When water doesn’t flow in the direction it should, it comes out in areas it shouldn’t. And this can happen when pipes are frozen, the AC is not maintained, during heavy storms and other natural disasters, or when there’s an obstacle in tubes & drains that makes water back up. Now, the easy way to prevent water damage is to take this information and use it to your advantage. When you know what causes water damage, all you have to do is take steps to stop them.
Keep the gutters clean
Clogged gutters block water flow and channel rainwater toward your home rather than angle it down the spout and away from the building.
Check the downspout
It won’t hurt if you check the downspout every now and then. If it’s damaged or installed improperly, it will be a source of water damage. Water must be directed at least 5 feet away from your home, or the foundations might get saturated.
Take care of the roof
If a couple of shingles are missing, replace them. If there’s a problem with the flashing, fix it. The goal is to keep the roof free of damage since it’s the first line of defense against Mother Nature.
Keep windows well-caulked
If the windows are not sealed correctly, rainwater might come in. And although it might not flood your floors, it might allow water to travel to the foundations of the building or cause drywall damage.
Fix small leaks quickly
Should you ever face a problem, fix it right away. Over the years, a faucet might drip. Repair it.
Check the sump pump
You need to make sure the sump pump works properly and thus it’s ready to come to the rescue during heavy storms.
Make sure all pipes are damage-free
If your home is old, the plumbing pipes are most likely old too. Have them checked occasionally. It’s best to have all pipes, appliances, and equipment checked once in a while to keep them from bursting. This can also happen when pipes are exposed to cold environments – since they are prone to freeze. Frozen pipes cause water damage. You can insulate them.
Don’t overlook water stains
If you notice any dark or yellowish spots on the ceiling, under sink cabinets, or on walls close to the kitchen or bathroom, don’t ignore them. Don’t forget that water travels. These are often signs of a hidden problem. Fix it before your home floods.
Waterproof your basement
This is the best you can do to keep the basement from getting flooded. Basement floods happen often, especially during storms. That’s natural since they are found lower than the ground level. You need to take extra precautions to keep this space free of water damage and moisture.
Pay attention to the water bill
If the water bill increases, it’s an indication that there is a water leak. Better call a plumber today than rushing to find a water damage service company tomorrow.
Trust your nose
Where there’s water damage, there’s moisture. Where there’s moisture, there’s often mold. Your nose won’t fool you. If you sense a funny odor, have the area checked and the water damage clean up done in no time.
