Home flooding is all too frequent, and water damage may be costly to repair. Floods can be caused by natural calamities such as flash floods and violent thunderstorms or by man-made mishaps such as plumbing problems, broken appliances, and pipelines exploding.
What are the most common sources of water damage?
- A water heater
- A leaking pipe behind your sink
- A blockage in a toilet
- A split hose attached to a device
How do you keep water out of your house?
Water damage can cause structural damage to your home, resulting in foundation concerns and other problems. Damp wood may be a breeding ground for termites and ants and a breeding ground for mold. Mold can grow due to leaking pipes, causing damage to flooring and other areas of the space. You must handle water damage or call a property restoration new city company as soon as possible to mitigate health risks posed by water damage.
The easiest method to avoid water damage is to prevent leaks from starting in the first place. Here are the top tips to help you reduce the possibility of water damage in your house.
Examine the sinks and drains.
Avoid dumping cooking oil down the drain to maintain your sinks and drains in good shape. It makes little difference whether you flush it with hot or cold water, and grease can harden and stick to pipes. This causes significant damage or obstructs the flow of water.
When utilizing chemical drain cleaners, use caution. They are convenient, but they may eat away at your pipes and cause leaks. Consider obtaining a drain snake, which is ideal for removing obstructions.
Turn off the water.
If you leave the house for a lengthy period, such as going on vacation, turn off the main water valve. Homes may be left unoccupied for days or weeks during a trip. Even a minor leak might cause massive harm by the time someone notices or returns. Turning off your water main while you are away can help prevent mishaps caused by unmanaged water flow.
Know the location of your water shut-off valves.
Know where your water shutdown valves are in case of a flood emergency. This includes the following:
- The main water shut down valve
- Your water heater’s hot water shutdown
- Toilet and sink inline shutdown valves
- Valves leading to the dishwasher and the washing machine
Use the shutdown valves if there is a flood in your home. All of these valves should be tested yearly to ensure they are in good operating order.
Regularly inspect your appliances.
Check your appliances for leaks regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Most homeowners’ insurance plans do not cover harm caused by a lack of upkeep. Upgrade and replace your hoses, such as washing machine hoses, regularly to avoid the most commonly reported source of water loss and damage.
Is there an ice maker or a water dispenser in the refrigerator? Check the water line hose that connects your refrigerator to the wall. Make certain that there are no leaks. Also, inspect and maintain your water heater at least once a year. Take note of any slow leaks, water pools, or rusted or corroded spots.
Inspect your air conditioner for symptoms of leaks or water damage, especially if it’s working overtime during the hot summer months. Also, mold and humidity thrive in an attic environment. Water saturates forests, allowing mold to develop and spread, which is a housing issue and a health hazard. Always make sure to have them checked. Click here if you need assistance in water damage restoration.
Conclusion
Regardless of the origin of the water damage, you may utilize all of these tips to help prevent the chance of bursting pipes, water damage, and flooding in your house. Preventative actions will help you avoid or reduce the likelihood of this severe damage occurring, which will please both you and your family.