How to Prevent Water Damage

How to Prevent Water Damage

When it comes to water damage, just like how it goes for most things, it is better to be safe than sorry. That’s why it is important to know what you can and cannot do to prevent water damage.

Water Damage is Easy to Avoid

There are ways to protect yourself against costly water losses and homeowner’s insurance claims. Some of the steps include checking the outside of your home and taking extra measures with your interior to prevent water damage. To elaborate more, here are some specific ways to prevent water damage.

Check and Disconnect Hoses

Standing water in a hose may create an ice block and freeze it enough to stop your water flow. It can also burst pipe in worst cases and damage the walls, floor, and foundation. You may also upgrade washing machine hoses since old and brittle hoses are among the most common causes of water loss for homeowners. Replace hoses regularly to avoid a bigger mess and more serious damage.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

There could be a lot of leaves, birds’ nests, sticks and out-of-nowhere external forces sitting on your gutter, so make sure to clean it at least twice a year to avoid blockage. On a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement that can lead to a crucial water damage you don’t want to happen. Also, don’t forget the downspouts to ensure the flow of water.

Be Careful Where You Plant

It’s all fun and games until shrubs and their roots wrap around your pipes and break them. To keep this from happening, minimize landscaping near the sprinkler system, drainage, and utility pipes or remove trees and shrubs that have become too big.

Know Your Water Main

If you know the exact location of your water main, it will be easier for you to shut it off if you have to leave for a longer period. If no water goes into the house, then you don’t have to worry about dripping faucets that may wreak havoc while you’re away.

Investigate Leaks Right Away and Fix Promptly

Don’t ignore small damages as they could get bigger and cause more serious problems before you even know it. Never wait for it to repair itself magically as it is necessary to take action. Remember that homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for sudden and accidental damage. However, if it’s from the lack of maintenance, it is not covered on a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

Don’t Set Your Water Pressure Too High

Pipes and hoses might explode under pressure if it is set too high. Usually, residential water systems are designed for water pressure of 40 to 70 psi. Install a pressure regulator available at local hardware stores if your home’s water pressure exceeds 100 psi.

The Bottom Line

Don’t let a burst pipe ruin your house. Prevent water damage not only to save the environment but also to avoid a mess and other more serious problems from happening. You don’t have to reach to the point where you should call professional help as you can take the first action by checking your water system regularly and troubleshooting any necessary problems. It is indeed said that prevention is better than cure.

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