How to Prevent Water Damage
From a small leak to a massive natural disaster, there are so many ways water damage can wreak havoc on your home. It can crack your house’s foundation, weaken wooden support structures, grow dangerous black mold, and destroy floors and drywall. It’s important to recognize the signs of water damage before the situation gets serious. Some things are out of your control which is why we always recommend updating your insurance policy to include flood and water damage. But there are ways you can stop a water problem before it starts.
Look for Leaks
A dripping faucet is easy to spot and should be remedied quickly. But you could have “silent” leaks slowly destroying your home, ready to burst at any moment. Check your sprinkler system and look behind appliances for any signs of leakage. Also, pay attention to your monthly water bill. If you notice any spikes, this could point to hidden leaks which require immediate attention.
Keep Your Drains Clear
Using drain screens and cleaning out your drains are other easy ways to prevent water damage. Clogs can cause your pipes to back up which can lead to flooding and pipe damage. If a toilet becomes clogged, make sure to have a plunger handy to avoid an overflow.
Check Your Appliances
Old and poorly maintained appliances are the leading cause of in-home water damage. Refrigerator and washing machine hoses typically last 5 years and should be inspected and replaced routinely. Clogged dishwashers can also overflow, leaving a big, expensive mess on your kitchen floor. To avoid this, dispose of all food scraps in the trash before loading a dish into the dishwasher.
Replace Caulking
An often overlooked cause of water damage is old and dried-up caulking in your bathroom and kitchen. Caulking prevents water from seeping into the cracks around your tub and sink. If the caulking is cracked, water could be making its way into those crevices, causing rust or mold to grow. Simply remove the old caulking and replace it with new caulking designed specifically for bathrooms and kitchens.
Maintain Sump Pump
If you have a basement, you’ll need a sump pump to keep the lower levels of your home dry. This small pit and pump system prevent groundwater from entering the house. Locate it in your basement or crawl space, make sure it’s connected to the electrical outlet, and pour water in the pit to test its functionality. If it needs maintenance or you can’t locate it, call a trusted plumber to have it serviced or installed.
Locate Your Water Main
If you do ever find yourself in a situation where your home is flooding, make sure you know where your home water main is located. A plumber can help you find it if you are unable to locate it yourself. You will need to shut it off promptly to stop the water from rising. If you ever go out of town, turning off your water main can also prevent flooding while you’re away.
Call Stephens Plumbing to Prevent Water Damage
Whether you’re trying to be preemptive or you’ve literally found yourself underwater, Stephens Plumbing can help you prevent water damage. From water damage restoration to maintenance and repairs, our services are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With a reputation for strong ethics and superior training, Stephens Plumbing is the local plumber you can trust.