Water damage is a leading cause of property damage and loss. It can cause black mold and rotting walls and seriously affect the foundation and structure of your home. It can also bring unwanted visitors like termites and carpenter ants, who like to live in damp wood.
Dealing with water damage in your home can be an expensive repair. It’s not required, which is good news. Taking a few preventive precautions can help you avoid experiencing any water damage in your house. Here, we will explore the six best ways to prevent water damage to your property.
Monitor Water Pressure
You can measure water pressure with a water pressure gauge that you can get from a local hardware shop. You can attach a gauge to a yard faucet and turn it on fully to measure the home’s water pressure.
When water pressure is extremely high, it may burst your pipes. To maintain safe water pressure levels in your home, use a pressure regulator to decrease the water pressure from the main water line.
Install Water Detection Devices.
A water detector is a small electronic device that detects dampness with its sensor and sounds an alarm. Its primary advantage is that it identifies low moisture levels or slow leaks that often go overlooked.
Several detectors, such as “smart” detectors, can be monitored with a mobile app. Hardware stores carry these, or you may order them online.
Place them near sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, and water heaters to prevent significant damage and mold growth.
Look for Leaks, Mold, and Cracks
Your home can experience water damage as a result of plumbing leaks. Warning indicators of a leak include moist, dark patches on the floor, wall, ceiling, and pipes. Popular devices that may cause a leak are:
- Toilets
- Basins
- Dishwashers
- Ice makers
- Washing machines
- Bathtubs and showers
- Water heaters
Any paint, wallpaper chipping, and any black spots or marks may be signs of a leak. Also, watch for a moldy, musty smell, areas of discoloration, or termite movement. Replace cracked caulk with freshly placed caulking, particularly around windows or doors.
Prevent Pipes from Freezing.
Use a smart thermostat to keep your home’s temperature at least 10 degrees Celsius, even if you plan on being away. Warm water must be able to circulate through pipes in order to avoid freezing damage. If a property will be unattended for extended periods, shut off the water supply at the stopcock. You can also consider draining the system to ensure no water is left in the pipes.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clean your gutters at least twice yearly to prevent obstruction and ice dams. Standing water can harm your gutters and roof, and unsecured overflow may produce puddles that can damage your foundation.
Install guards for aluminum gutters to prevent clogs and keep water moving away from the home instead of building up on the roof. Always clean downspouts to ensure water flow and secure them away from the home, ensuring they point away from the house.
Regular Chimney Inspection
To provide your chimney the best protection against water damage, you will need to get help from professional such as a chimney sweep. He can inspect the main areas of your chimney where water intrusion is a concern.
A chimney inspection will help you determine the preventive measures and can even reveal if water damage is already present. Experts can also reach your chimney safely with the right skills and equipment.
