Water damage does not always occur as a result of extreme events such as storms and floods. Pinhole-sized leaks in pipes, improperly graded soil, clogged gutters, or a sump pump that refuses to turn on are all common causes of home damage. Much water damage is caused by easily repairable defects that most do-it-yourself may fix well before a problem occurs.

Water damage in a home can be very disastrous. Left unchecked, even a slow leak will create black mold, rot out drywall and studs, and eventually weaken major structural elements like joists and beams. Here are the top five tips that can help you avoid water damage.

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1. Clean the Gutters 

Water overflowing over clogged gutters erodes the soil next to the house and might jeopardize the foundation. Water seeping through the foundation walls can cause structural damage to walls and floors. Cleaning the gutters and downspouts once or twice per year is the most cost-effective method to avoid all of that water damage, and it just costs the price of hiring a contractor or getting an extension ladder. 

2. Attend to Downspouts

Downspouts collect water from gutters and channel it down the side of the home. It’s a basic idea that works nicely. However, downspouts that end perpendicular to the ground run the risk of pushing the flow of water toward the foundation. Rainwater pushed at such high rates erodes the soil surrounding the house and can leak into the structure through the foundation, causing serious damage. Adding a 90-degree downspout elbow to transport the water at least 2 feet away from the house would be a great idea.

3. Grading the Exterior Soil

The ground close to the house should slant as it approaches the foundation wall. Water will pool if the ground slopes toward the house. Pooled water can either enter the foundation or seep downward and flow up through the basement floor. Re-grading the soil such that it slopes away from the foundation wall is a simple and practical option. The further you can extend the slope away from the home, the better.

4. Monitor Your Plumbing for Leaks

If you find any indication of leakage, investigate and repair your home’s plumbing system. If you overlook little indicators of water leaking, you may encounter mold development or even structural damage.

5. Maintain Healthy and Flowing Drains

Sinks are designed to collect water and send it to the sewer main via waste pipes. Every component of that system must work flawlessly. If this is not done, wastewater will seep into sink cabinets. Worse, branch lines leading to the drain-waste-vent might leak between floors or through walls. Keep your sinks and drains in perfect working condition to avoid water damage problems.

Now you are aware of how to prevent water damage. If you find it difficult or uncomfortable to clean the gutters and downspouts or replace broken pipes, you should hire a qualified expert to handle the task for you. If your house or business sustains water damage, Clean Masters is here with a crew on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to inspect the damage and begin the drying process.  If you are looking for a water damage company in North Charleston, call Clean Masters today.

5 Tips to Prevent Water Damage to Your North Charleston Home

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