10 Ways to Protect Your Home From Water Damage

We invest a lot of time and money into keeping our homes safe. We install locks on doors and windows, add security lights, cameras, and doorbells, and make sure that the things we love and value are safe and protected. There is something that can cause exponential damage to our homes and personal belongings that we often fail to safeguard against – water. Water damage in our homes can threaten the structural integrity, cause mold growth, and wreak havoc on our belongings. There are measures you can take to help protect your home from water damage, and keep your property safe. Clean Masters Disaster Restoration in Charleston has compiled a list of 10 things you can do both inside and outside of your home to keep it safe from water damage.

1. Keep gutters and downspouts clean. Gutters can fill with leaves and debris, causing clogs. If gutters get clogged, water will begin to pool and overflow down the side of your home damaging siding and foundations. You should clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid any blockages. Check your downspouts regularly and be sure that they are directing water 5-10 feet away from your home. Be sure that water can flow through them and that there are no blockages.
2. Inspect your roof. Your roof is exposed to all the elements outside and is your home’s first line of defense from these elements. You should be sure that your roofing material is not loose or damaged. Perform routine maintenance on your roof, and if you are unable to safely examine or repair your roof, call in a professional to have it checked and cleaned.
3. Maintain trees and vegetation around your home. Trees and shrubs can have pretty invasive root systems. If planted near utility pipes, water lines, or the foundation of your home, they can cause some serious damage. If not maintained, they can grow right through these pipes, or sprinkler systems and cause them to break or burst.
4. Check your irrigation systems and sprinkler systems regularly. Water can easily pool in yards from burst sprinkler pipes. Make sure there are no leaking sprinklers, or areas where water is pooling. Keep up on proper maintenance of your sprinkling system and if you live in an area that has freezing winters, be sure to get your pipes blown out before cold weather hits. Freezing water inside pipes will cause them to burst, so be sure to turn them off and drain outside hoses and faucets.
5. Know where your water main is. Most homeowners do not know their water main line and shut off is. If you know how and where to shut the water off to your home, you can help prevent further water damage if a leak happens. If you are going to be away from your home for extended amounts of time, it is a good idea to turn off your water main. If no water is flowing to your home, there is no risk of leaky faucets or burst pipes causing water damage.
6. Check you appliances regularly. Dishwashers and water heaters are just a few appliances used on a daily basis that have water supply. Keep appliances maintained and in good condition to help prevent leaks and malfunctions. Water heaters are prone to rust and corrosion, which can spring leaks. Have your water heater serviced regularly, and if you suspect a problem get it checked immediately.
7. Inspect faucets and pipes to check for leaks. Leaky faucets are extremely common, and extremely annoying. If left unaddressed, a leaky faucet not only wastes a lot of water, but also can cause flooding and pooling water. You should also check cabinets under sinks for any leaks or pooling water from pipes. If a pipe looks old, rusted, or damaged, replace it.
8. Check the water pressure in your home. Use a pressure gauge to ensure that the water pressure in your home is not too much for your pipes and plumbing. If you are worried that the pressure is too high, you can install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system.
9. Monitor your water bill for sudden spikes or gradual creeps. Many leaks happen behind walls, in basements, or in other areas that we do not even see in our homes. If you notice your water bill going up without explanation, you could possibly have a leak somewhere in your home.
10. If you have any concerns, or have suffered loss from water damage, have a restoration team ready to call for help. Clean Masters disaster restoration services offers emergency water removal, content and structural drying, and complete restoration following water damage. Even if you take every precaution to protect your home from water damage, it may still happen. Clean Masters is ready 24/7 to take care of your home and provide you with complete water damage restoration.