How Do You Prevent Water Damage in Your Home?

As they say, prevention is better than cure. Every homeowner shouldn’t wait until things get out of hand; they should rather dedicate time, money, and other resources to preventing any sort of water damage in their homes. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to prevent water damage; so, homeowners should learn these ways and follow them accordingly.

To safeguard your home, here are simple ways to prevent water damage.

• Clean gutters and downspouts

When gutters and downspouts are blocked, they can redirect water into the wrong places. Unfortunately, this can cause water damage to the foundation of your home. Therefore, you should clean your gutters two or more times every year. You should also clean the downspouts for unobstructed water flow.

• Take care of the vegetation and trees

Although trees and vegetation are good for home beautification, their roots can damage your pipes. So, you need to pay attention to your landscaping and prevent vegetation and trees from growing close to utility pipes. Also, if a shrub or a tree around your home has grown too big, it is time you removed it.

• Consider basement waterproofing

When it comes to susceptibility to water damage, the basement is one of the most common culprits. To prevent water damage in your basement, you should think about basement waterproofing. Installation of drains, use of sealants, waterproof coatings, and exterior basement waterproofing are some of the methods of basement waterproofing. Talk to a basement waterproofing contractor before deciding the best method for your basement.

• Check your sump pump regularly

The function of a sump pump is to move water out of your basement from time to time; thereby, preventing water from accumulating and damaging the area. This tool is especially useful in areas with regular, prolonged rainfalls. Don’t just install a sump pump. Make sure you check and maintain it regularly to be certain that it is in good condition.

• Know where the water main is located

A plumbing emergency can happen at any time. Therefore, you must know where the water main is located so that you can shut it down as quickly as possible. With this, you can minimize the water issues while waiting for a plumber to deal with the plumbing problem.

• Check your appliances regularly

Leaks in appliances can also cause water damage in your home. So, you must check your home appliances regularly to see if they have leaks. Refrigerator, water heater, and AC units are the main appliances you should check. If you find any leaks, don’t hesitate to fix them. Also, regular maintenance can prevent leaks or any other issues that can cause water damage in your home.

• Disconnect your hoses

Outside hoses can be expanded by freezing temperatures. Over time, they will burst and cause water damage inside your property. Consequently, if you have outside hoses, you should disconnect them when the seasons change.

Other simple ways to prevent water damage in your home include caulking and sealing windows, installing a water leak detection device, inspecting the roof for any leaks, and getting rid of any mold or moisture.