Water damage can be a costly and time-consuming problem, and it’s something every homeowner wants to avoid. Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding water damage repairs. There are many things you can do to minimize the risk of water damage occurring in your home.
10 Ways to prevent water damage in your home
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Regularly inspect the roof
The roof is the first line of defense against the elements, and if it’s compromised, water can seep through and cause significant damage to your home’s structure and belongings. By inspecting your roof on a regular basis, you can catch any issues early on and address them before they turn into a significant problem, potentially causing expensive and time-consuming water damage repairs.
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Install gutters and downspouts
Installing gutters and downspouts on your home is a crucial step in preventing water damage. Gutters are designed to collect rainwater and other precipitation that falls on the roof of your home and redirect it away from the foundation of your home through downspouts. It is very important to ensure your gutters and downspouts are kept free of debris to prevent clogs and overflow.
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Install a sump pump
Installing a sump pump in your home can be an effective way to prevent water damage, especially if you live in an area that is prone to basement flooding. It works by activating a float switch when the water in the sump pit rises to a certain level. Once the water rises, it triggers the pump to turn on and pump the water out and away from the foundation. In addition to preventing basement flooding, a sump pump can protect against sewage backups, keep basement humidity levels low and reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth.
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Insulate pipes and install water pressure gauges
When temperatures drop below freezing, water in unprotected, uninsulated pipes can freeze and expand, resulting in the pipes bursting and flooding your home. By insulating your pipes, you can help maintain the temperature of the water. Installing water pressure gauges also helps monitor your water pressure to prevent pipes from bursting and causing damage to your plumbing fixtures and increasing the risk of flooding.
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Check your water heater regularly
Checking your water heater is vital for preventing leaks and other issues that can cause water damage to your home. Over time, tanks in the water heater can rust and corrode, causing leaks. Checking your water heater regularly allows you to identify any leaks early on and repair or replace the unit before the damage gets worse. Regularly checking your water heater can also ensure your unit is functioning safely and not causing a risk to your family’s safety.
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Fix leaks promptly, no matter how small they are
Small leaks can quickly escalate into bigger problems if they are left unrepaired. Constant dripping or leaking can weaken a pipe or cause damage to fixtures, which can result in flooding. By fixing leaks right away, you are not only saving money by avoiding costly repairs that can result in water damage, but you are also protecting your family’s health and preventing the growth of mold and mildew.
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Avoid pouring grease, oil and other liquids down the drain
Grease, oil and other liquids can solidify and accumulate in your pipes, causing clogs that can prevent water from draining properly. This can result in slow drainage in sinks and showers and even cause water to completely back up into your home. These substances can also corrode and weaken your pipes, eventually resulting in leaks and bursts. To protect your home and your pipes—and to prevent grease and oil from contaminating water sources in the environment- avoid pouring these substances down your drain.
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Keep drains and toilets clear of non-degradable materials
It’s key to keep drains and toilets clear of non-degradable materials such as baby wipes, feminine hygiene products and paper towels as these items do not break down in water like toilet paper does. Preventing these products from entering your drains and toilets not only avoids clogging of your pipes but also helps maintain a hygienic environment by avoiding the creation of unsanitary conditions in your pipes and your home.
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Check the water supply lines to your appliances
Water supply lines to your appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators can develop leaks over time. As a result, it can lead to water damage and flooding if they go unnoticed for an extended period of time. By checking these water lines regularly, you are not only identifying the leaks early to save money, but also protecting your appliances and extending their lifespan.
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Turn off the main water supply when you go on vacation
Even small leaks can cause significant damage over time. By turning off the main water supply while you are away, you can prevent leaks from occurring and protect your house from costly water damage when you return home. Not only are you protecting your home, but you are saving money on your water bill while you are away and can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind and can come back to a home free of water damage.
Regular inspections, maintenance and prompt attention to leaks and other issues can help protect your home, belongings and family from the damaging effects of water. However, despite your best efforts, if you experience water damage in your home, it’s essential to act quickly. Contact your trusted partner—ESR Disaster Hero, available 24/7 for emergency restoration services—to minimize the damage and get your home back to its pre-loss condition as soon as possible.
