After Emergency Strikes

Call Us Now

9 Top Tips to Prevent Home Water Damage

9 Top Tips to Prevent Home Water Damage

From leaky pipes to natural disasters, water damage causes homeowners grief in myriad ways. The question is, how can you prevent water damage from occurring in the first place?

Water damage is a common issue that affects households across the country. From burst pipes to flooding, the consequences of water damage are often devastating. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage is the second most common reason for homeowners insurance claims.

To protect your home from needing water damage repair, be proactive and take precautions to prevent it from happening in the first place. Following simple tips and implementing preventative measures reduces the risk of water damage and keeps your home safe and dry.

Here are nine water damage prevention tips for your home.

Tip 1: Regularly inspect your roof and gutters

A well-maintained roof and gutters play a surprisingly important role in water damage prevention. These act as the first line of defense against rainwater, ensuring it flows away from your home’s foundation and walls. Neglect leads to leaks, structural damage, and even foundation issues.

Conduct regular inspections to keep your roof and gutters in top condition, especially after severe weather. Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles on the roof and clear gutters and downspouts of leaves, twigs, and debris that could cause blockages. Check that downspouts direct water at least three feet from your home’s foundation to prevent water accumulation.

Additionally, check for signs of water damage under the roof, like stains or mold in the attic, which may indicate leaks.

Maintain your plumbing systems

Tip 2: Maintain your plumbing systems

Maintaining the health of your plumbing system will aid in preventing home water damage. A leaky pipe or a faulty connection can quickly escalate, causing significant damage to your home’s structure and potentially leading to harmful mold growth.

To avoid the risks of structural damage and mold concerns, conduct regular inspections and maintenance on your plumbing system. Schedule annual check-ups with a professional plumber to identify and fix potential problems before they become serious. Pay special attention to areas prone to leaks, such as under sinks, around toilets, and near water heaters.

To avoid potential water damage, be proactive in replacing hoses in appliances like washing machines and dishwashers every few years — even if they don’t show visible signs of wear.

Keeping your plumbing system in good working order reduces the risk of water damage, safeguards your home, and ensures peace of mind.

Tip 3: Monitor water pressure

High water pressure in your home’s plumbing is a common, silent culprit behind leaks and subsequent water damage. Over time, excessive pressure strains pipes, joints, and fixtures, leading to failures and costly leaks.

To prevent this, carefully monitor and adjust your water pressure. Invest in a water pressure gauge, which easily attaches to an outdoor faucet, to get an accurate reading.

Ideal water pressure should be between 40 and 60 pounds per square inch (psi). If you discover that your pressure exceeds this range, installing a pressure regulator is often an effective solution. A pressure regulator adjusts incoming water pressure to a safer level, protecting your plumbing system and reducing the risk of leaks.

Regularly checking and managing your water pressure prevents potential water damage and extends the life of your plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Tip 4: Install water detection devices

Installing water detection devices offers a proactive approach to water damage prevention, especially in high-risk areas. These innovative devices alert you to the first signs of unwanted water, whether from leaks, floods, or appliance failures. A quick response to the alerts allows you to mitigate damage.

Strategically place water detectors near water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, under sinks, and in basements — anywhere water leaks are likely to occur. Many modern water detectors connect to your home Wi-Fi network, sending instant alerts to your smartphone if they detect moisture. This allows you to address the issue promptly, even when you’re away from home.

Water detection devices enhance your home’s defense against water damage, protecting your property and valuables from the potentially devastating and sometimes irreversible effects of leaks and floods.

Tip 5: Seal windows and doors

A common cause of home water damage is improper sealing on windows and doors. These entry points become more vulnerable over time, allowing moisture to seep into your home during heavy rains, snow, or floods.

To keep windows and doors watertight, regularly inspect the seals and weatherstripping around their edges for any signs of wear or damage. Look for cracks, gaps, or areas where the sealant has deteriorated. Replacing old or worn weatherstripping and applying fresh caulk to fill gaps ensures a strong barrier against water. Pay special attention to basement windows and ground-level doors, as these are particularly susceptible to water entry.

Seal windows and doors

Additionally, consider installing storm doors and windows for extra protection if you live in an area prone to severe weather.

Regularly checking and sealing your windows and doors when needed reduces the risk of water damage, keeping your home dry and secure.

Tip 6: Know your water main

Properly understanding your water main and how to shut off the water supply quickly will help prevent home water damage in emergencies, such as a burst pipe, by minimizing potential damage.

To prepare, locate your water main shut-off valve, typically found where the water line enters your home. This may be in the basement, near the water heater, or outside in warmer climates.

Familiarize yourself with how the water valve operates to guarantee you can turn it off quickly if needed. In some cases, you may need a wrench, so keep one handy near the valve in an emergency. Share this knowledge with all household members so anyone can act swiftly in your absence.

Regularly check the valve for ease of use and keep the area around it clear of obstructions.

By maintaining your water main, you empower yourself to protect your home from extensive water damage in emergencies.

Tip 7: Protect your plumbing from cold weather

Cold weather is enemy number one for water wipes. When the weather drops down, the risk of frozen pipes increases. This often leads to burst pipes and extensive home water damage.

The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to keep your pipes warm and water flowing.

Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages with foam pipe insulation — a simple, cost-effective measure. If you have pipes prone to freezing, consider using heat tape or a heat cable with a thermostat to ensure they maintain a safe temperature.

Protect your plumbing from cold weather

During extreme cold snaps, let faucets drip slightly; water movement will help prevent freezing. Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. Maintain a consistent thermostat setting day and night to help protect your pipes.

If you plan to be away during cold weather, set your thermostat to a minimum temperature of 55°F (13°C) and consider shutting off and draining your water system. These proactive steps will safeguard your plumbing against the cold.

Tip 8: Employ landscape drainage solutions

Landscaping and outdoor drainage play pivotal roles in mitigating the risk of home water damage by directing water away from your property’s foundation. Thoughtful landscaping prevents water accumulation and ensures proper drainage, safeguarding your home’s structural integrity.

Start by grading your yard to slope away from your house, promoting water flow away from the foundation. Install French drains or drainage swales if you have persistent issues with standing water. These drains effectively channel water away from your home. Consider using rain barrels to catch runoff from your roof, reducing the volume of water saturating the ground around your home.

Conduct regular home inspections

Tip 9: Conduct regular home inspections

Regular home inspections help identify potential water damage risks before they escalate into costly repairs. A comprehensive inspection allows you to spot early signs of moisture issues, leaks, and vulnerabilities in your home’s defense against water.

Focus on areas prone to water damage, such as the roof, gutters, foundation, windows, and doors. Inspect plumbing systems for signs of leaks or corrosion, and don’t overlook appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.

Water damage and mold go hand-in-hand. Areas like basements and crawl spaces deserve special attention for any signs of dampness or mold, as they are often signs of water infiltration.

Call Restoremasters if you have home water damage

In wrapping up our guide on preventing home water damage, we’ve armed you with the knowledge to safeguard your property. However, should you encounter water damage or wish to bolster your home’s defenses, Restoremasters is ready to assist.

Our expertise in preventing and addressing home water damage ensures your property is in capable hands. Our team stands ready to protect your home against the elements. Don’t wait for water damage to disrupt your life. Whether it’s old or new, take proactive steps today by reaching out to Restoremasters. Partner with us for professional home restoration services and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a safer, water-damage-free home.

Contact Restoremasters now and take the first step towards securing your property against water damage. Your home deserves the best protection, and Restoremasters is here to deliver it.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

Recent Posts