Water damage is one of the common issues most homeowners face. Water leaks are generally small at first, and hence, many people tend to ignore the issue. However, if left ignored for too long, water damage can cause irreversible damage to your home. Therefore, it is best to address it as early as possible. Water damage isn’t only excessively disastrous but also highly costly. Studies show that water damage repairs can cost billions of dollars. So, to safeguard your home and save some big bucks, follow these tips to prevent water damage.
Clean Your Gutters
Many people might be unaware of this, but your gutters and downspouts are also an essential part of your home’s pipe system. However, unlike usual pipes, gutters are much easier to maintain.
Clogged gutters are a widespread cause of water damage. Therefore, you must always ensure to keep your gutters clear of any debris and other items that might block the route of running water. You can use a garden hose with a nozzle to clear any excessive debris. Also, remove leaves and twigs from around the downspout.
If your gutter still has standing water, consider contacting your local contractor. They often have professional equipment and know more effective techniques that might be useful.
Regularly Check Your Roof
Leaky roofs are another common cause of water damage. Your roof can leak due to various reasons such as faulty roofing materials, incorrect installations, or damaged gutter. Whatever the cause is, you must address it at your earliest to avoid excessive damages. Leaky roofs can cause ceiling damage, insulation damage, increased chances of fire hazards, slip hazards, and even moles and mildew.
Roof leaks often commence unnoticeably, and most people find out when it is too late. It results in costly repairs and takes a lot of time. Therefore, make sure to regularly check your roof and look carefully for even the slightest hint of water leakage.
Examine Sinks and Drains
Try to keep your sinks and drains clean and in excellent condition to prevent water damage. Old, dirty, and damaged sinks often trap water and lead to leakages. Always ensure to get away with cooking grease and do not solely rely on cold water since it doesn’t do much. Even chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes and trigger leakages.
The best practices include regularly cleaning drains, always putting the debris in the trash instead of the toilet, and ensuring your tub’s overflow drain is working correctly.
Install a Water Flow Monitoring System
A water flow monitoring system can measure the water flow into your house. These detect continuous water flow even when it isn’t consistent. It can automatically stop the water flow into your home.
Water flow monitoring systems are usually easy to install and operate. They can measure water flow in real-time by sensing the pulse of the water’s movement. You can monitor remotely, get easy access to your home’s water usage data, and get immediate leak alerts that help prevent further damage.
Install Leak Detectors
Leak detectors are the best possible solution available in the market for water damage prevention. They can monitor for the presence of water, track ambient temperatures, automatically turn off your water supply in case of emergency, and detect moisture in the air.
When looking for a leak detector, make sure to purchase one with smart home integration, Wi-Fi capabilities, temperature sensors, and phone alerts.
You can install leak detectors in your basements, laundry room, washing machines, bathroom tubs, and near any water pipes. Putting a leak detector near the AC unit and under the kitchen sink is also good.
Buy a Pressure Gauge
Pressure gauges are not an innovation. However, they have become much more efficient after the recent upgrades and updates. Pressure gauges help check water pressure by overlooking the fluid power system and ensuring no leakages.
With a digital pressure gauge, you can measure the pressure of:
- Force
- Hardness
- Torque
- Pressure
- Load
Keep a Check on Your Water Bill
Unexpectedly high water bills indicate a possible leak in your home. Checking water bills more often will estimate the average water use and help you inspect further. If you see a massive jump in between two months’ bills, that might mean you have a mystery leak.
Unexpectedly high water bills can occur due to:
- Filling a swimming pool
- Watering the lawn
- Water-cooled AC units
- A leaking toilet
- Broken pipe
- Running water to prevent freezing
Maintain Trees and Vegetation
Big, beautiful trees and shrubs indeed look good and enhance the exterior of your home. Still, it is crucial to minimize the landscape near pipes. Their roots may wrap around tubes and break them, causing excessive water damage to your home. Also, make sure that the soil doesn’t get too dry; otherwise, your house can shrink.
Wrapping Up
Even if it is minimal, any water leak is not good news. Water leaks can lead to structural damage, increased mold, mildew, and foul odor if not looked after immediately. Furthermore, water damage can cause permanent stains all over your property and lead to electrical damage.
Hence, always stay vigilant about the slightest clues regarding water leaks to avoid the situation getting out of hand.
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