Ninety percent of household damage is caused due to water leaks and flooding. One of the most common customer questions we receive at Certified Restoration is, “How do I prevent water damage on my property?” Water leaks can do serious damage to a home and the items inside. Luckily, taking a few specific precautions can easily prevent these problems. Follow these tips regularly, and especially before going on vacation. Be aware of what is happening in your home before it’s too late. Water damage restoration is not an easy task. Here are 6 ways to prevent water damage in your home:
#1 – Keep Your Roof in Good Condition
- Always make sure the roof over your head is providing the rest of your house proper protection. If a vent, chimney, or air conditioner is not properly installed, it can result in leaks and instability.
- Have a professional inspect your roof annually to ensure safety in all areas. Make repairs to cracked or missing shingles/granules.
- Remember, you should heavily repair or fully replace your roof every 15-20 years, depending on its condition.
#2 – Inspect Gutters and Downspouts Regularly
- Check for pooling water after rain or snowfall.
- Keep all gutters clean from debris and clutter at all times.
#3 – Check Water Supply Lines in The Kitchen and Bathroom
- Failed refrigerators, toilets, and dishwashers are some of the main causes of water damage. Frequently check where hoses connect on both the fridge and dishwasher as much as possibly. Any condensation around the pipes, rust, or corrosion is a sign of a brewing problem.
- Make sure to look around the area surrounding the bathtub or shower. Check for loose or cracked tiles and cracked or crumbling grout lines, as these are all possible signs of a water issues.
- Inspect the supply line and flushing mechanism inside the toilet at least every 6 months to prevent water damage.
#4 – Don’t Forget the Washing Machine
- Turn water supply lines off when not in use.
- Check washing machine control valves every 5 years.
- When needed, consider using reinforced, graded stainless steel hoses to replace broken or deteriorating supply lines.
#5 – Maintain Water Heater
- Broken water heaters can create frustrating amounts of unexpected water damage in a small amount of time if not taken care of correctly. Have a professional plumber inspect the anode rod on your water heater at least once every two years, and annually once the warranty expires to prevent water damage problems. These rods can corrode and lead the heater to leak.
- Remove sediment by flushing out the water heater tank every 6 months.
#6 – Know Where the Water Shut Off Valves are Located
- If a leak presents itself from an unknown location in your home, it’s important to know where the water shut off valves are located. Shutting off water from the source will prevent water damage on your property while you or a professional assess the situation.
- Normally, there is a main water shut off valve on the outside of the home and also specific water shut off valves located in each bathroom, garage, and kitchen, where common water-using appliances are located.
Always have a qualified plumber or roofer look at your property for any signs of potential problems or failures. For more tips on how to prevent water damage, download “Quick Tips for Preventing Water Damage Guide,” produced by the Institute for Business and Home Safety.
If a water problem occurs in your home, we’re here to help. Certified Restoration is waiting for your call 24/7 to help you with any water damage restoration in your home or business. Just give us a ring at (619) 234 – 2500.
“Disclaimer: This article is for general information ONLY and is not intended to be legal, medical, or scientific advice. The proper approach to each project must be determined on a case-by-case basis. Certified Restoration always recommends that you call a certified restoration professional, especially when there are children, elderly, or individuals with health conditions residing in the property. “