In many cases, a water leak can go undetected for months or even years and cause significant damage. So the best way to protect your home from water damage is to be proactive and take action before an issue arises. Nevertheless, if your home has already been damaged by water, don’t hesitate to reach out to water restoration experts at Robinson Restoration.
Most water damage begins with water leaks which can happen anywhere in your home, from a leaky pipe under the sink to a broken toilet tank in the bathroom. A leaky faucet might seem like an insignificant problem, but it could lead to significant water damage over time if it’s not repaired quickly. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of water damage, mold damage, and other water-related damages in your home and protect yourself against costly repairs later on. Read on to learn how to protect your home from water damage.
Tips For Protecting Your Home From Water Damage
Check for Water Leaks and Patch Broken Pipes
Check your appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, water heater, refrigerator, etc.) and water pipes regularly for leaks. If there are any leaking hoses, replace them. Also, be sure to check your plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, faucets, and others. Endeavor to routinely inspect the fixtures in your bathroom, kitchen, toilets, and garden. If you notice any broken fixture, make sure you replace it as soon as possible.
Install a water leak detector
A water leak detector, also known as a water detector, is an electronic sensor device that is built to detect the presence of water. It works by giving off an alarm when it detects water. It’s a great device that helps homeowners detect water leaks easily. Installing water detection devices near appliances, water heaters, sump pumps, toilets, and other areas is a great way to detect hidden water leaks.
Properly maintain your lawn and landscaping.
There are certain plants that have invasive roots that can damage your home and cause a large flood. As these plants grow, their roots spread rapidly and could damage pipes underground. Some of the plants with invasive roots include; Holly bushes, boxwood shrubs, citrus trees, willow trees, and several others. If you have such plants in your yard, you’ll need to inspect your lawn or yard for signs of leaks routinely. When inspecting, pay attention to broken sprinkler heads and faulty irrigation systems that may cause water to pool near the foundation. If these systems are damaged, they can also cause burst pipes and water flooding in your home. If you notice any leaks, contact your water restoration experts.
Waterproof your roof
Water damage can take a lot of time and money to repair. Even a little bit of water can cause extensive water damage and mold growth in your home. To prevent this, you can waterproof your home. Start by installing roofs that are strong enough to withstand water and prevent water from seeping in through the roof. If your roof is damaged, don’t hesitate to replace broken shingles or replace the roof if it can no longer handle any more repairs.
Clean your gutters
The gutters of your roof are installed to collect water from the roof and channel it into a downpipe and then into a soak-away. If your gutters aren’t effectively collecting water and the rainwater begins to overflow, it means your gutters are blocked with debris. Blocked gutters can lead to water damage to the walls and foundation. Therefore, you should ensure the gutters are free of debris and angled properly to channel water toward a downspout.
Pay attention to your water bills
If you’ve lived in your current home for some time, you’ll be familiar with the range of charges you get monthly as water bills. If you notice an unexpected rise in your water bill without much changes in how you consume water in your home, then it could be a sign of hidden water leaks. Be sure to check your faucets, ice machines, dishwashers, fish tanks, and water filtration systems.
Don’t forget your basement
Most people tend to pay less attention to their basements, but water leaks in the basement can cause devastating damage. Water leaks into the basement to cause damage to the floor slabs and building foundation. The best way to counter this is to install a sump pump in your basement to pump out the water. It is also vital to check your sump pumps to make sure they are working properly. Additionally, it’s a good idea to install a battery-backup sump pump, which can protect your basement during a storm.
If you follow the tips in this article, your home should be protected from water damage, but once you begin to notice water damage in your home, endeavor to call water restoration experts.