Water damage is a silent monster lurking in your house which can wreak havoc if not checked timely. You shouldn’t ignore the signs of even the slightest water leakage or seepage because it can damage the foundation of your house if left untreated. Unfortunately, water can find its way in your home from almost anywhere, such as a leaky pipe, damaged roof, mold, old water heater, the basement, or flooding from a natural disaster. Sadly, most of us are powerless against damages caused by natural disasters. Still, when it comes to water damage, we can take a few measures to avoid it. So, buckle up and get into the following ways of protecting your house from water damages.
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1. Clean and maintain the gutters and downspouts:
Gutters and downspouts are part of your house’s exterior plumbing system. They move the water away from the roof’s foundation. Since they got placed outside of the house, they are easier to maintain, unlike other pipe systems. However, suppose you neglect cleaning the gutters or avoid blockage. In that case, it will cause water to run towards your house and cause significant damage to its foundation.
You should thoroughly clean the gutter at least twice or thrice a year and clear it from debris so that it doesn’t block the route of the running water. Also, don’t forget to secure and clean your downspouts and point their flow away from the house. However, suppose you are still at a loss at what’s causing the water damage in your home. In that case, you can always consult Water Damage Advisor, an expert in water damage renovations. You can learn more here about their services.
2. Inspect the roof:
A leaking roof is your house’s worst nightmare because it isn’t until the leaking goes out of hand that it becomes noticeable. So, if you want to avoid water damages, regularly check your roof inside and out and thoroughly examine it for possible leakages. There are numerous reasons for a leaky roof: faulty roofing material, damaged gutter, missing shingles, various natural causes, and wrong installation.
The best way to ensure your roofing system doesn’t leak is to get a weather-tight roof, or if you can’t afford anything, then make sure you tighten all the loose shingles. So, before you start seeing thick moss on your roof and ceiling, inspect your roof regularly, especially in the stormy weather, and make the necessary repairs.
3. Check for basement water seepage:
Basements and attics are the places we usually don’t visit. It is precisely what makes them favorable places for unnoticeable water leakages. You may once have water-proof cement floors, but seepage and flooding can deteriorate the basement walls and floor over time. It makes the floor slabs and building foundations more vulnerable to cracks that eventually let the water seep. One better and cheaper way to deal with this is to reseal the vulnerable areas in your basement with water sealant and ensure the water drains away from the building. Another solution to avoid water damage through basement water is to install a backwater valve to allow the sewage to go out.
4. Maintain the plumbing system:
To ensure the water damages aren’t coming from inside the house, invest some time and money into understanding and maintaining your indoor plumbing system. For instance, you should know where the main water shut-off valve is located in your home so that you can quickly shut it off in case of a burst pipe. It would help if you kept a close lookout under the sinks as well as for the overflow drain pipes of your washing machine, dishwasher, and other appliances. You should pay extra attention to the sinks because if the water is not draining properly to the sewer, it can leak into the sink cabinets. So, to preserve plumbing, keep the drains clear, clean strainers periodically, avoid pouring grease down the drains, and, if possible, install an emergency pressure release valve.
5. Go for a water detection device:
The hunt for leaks can take a while if it’s minor because small leaks can go undetected until they cause irreversible damage. That is why it’s better to be overcautious than sorry and to install leak detection devices in your house. A water detector is an electrical device with a built-in alert that sounds when it detects water or other evidence of moisture. It is a handy device that can get installed in many locations. Like the laundry room, basement, or attic, under the bathtub or toilet, the water heater closet, behind the AC unit, and under the kitchen sink.
6. Check up on your sump pump:
A sump pump is common in homes with basements and plays an essential role in protecting your house from flooding. Since basements are naturally the first place to get flooded, installing a sump pump can prove to be a good last line of defense in case of internal flooding. This device pumps the water out of your house when groundwater levels rise. Therefore, you must maintain and monitor your sump pump several times a year, especially during a heavy downpour. Ensure your pump is upright, adequately connected to the electrical outlet, and the backup pump is working.
Conclusion:
Water damage is every homeowner’s nightmare, but fortunately, you can do a few simple things and avoid a major disaster. Water damage mainly occurs when leakages and water seepage remain unchecked and undetected. Therefore, make sure to fix leaks, pipes and monitor your drains and appliances for proper flow.
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