6 Tips to Avoid Water Damage to Your House
Home maintenance can be a daunting task, especially when you have to deal with plumbing fixtures. Even a small leak can lead to a lot of damage and money spent on expensive repairs, so it is good to learn how to avoid it. Water damage often has no visible signs at first but continues below the surface or behind walls. This makes it very hard to predict. However, there are many things you can do without calling professionals to protect your house against all kinds of water-related disasters. Here are six useful tips that will help you avoid water damage in your home:
Do Not Ignore The Warning Signs Of Water Damage
Water damage is a serious problem that can lead to mold growth, structural damages, and health issues. If you notice any warning signs of water damage in your house, it is best to call a professional restoration company as soon as possible. Water infiltration can be noticed from early signs such as warped wood floors or buckling walls. Other signs include musty odors or visible signs of water penetration. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call professionals to inspect your house and find the source of the problem. They will provide you with a quote for their work beforehand so that you won't have any nasty surprises after they leave. You might even be able to take some money off the final bill if you manage to fix the problem before they arrive.
Check The Foundation Regularly
Water seeping into the basement or foundation of your house can cause major problems. Mold growth, structural damages, and health issues are just some examples of what may happen if there is water penetration in the foundation of your house. Do not delay a check-up or inspection of your foundation. You can do a simple test by taking a broom straw and putting it into the crack in the foundation, then putting some water on top of this area. If the straw is wet when you remove it, there is an issue with your house's foundation that needs to be resolved immediately.
Make Sure That Your Roof Is In Good Condition
If you are experiencing missing or damaged shingles, it is time to make roof repairs. If you ignore these problems, there is a high chance of leakage which can lead to water damage in your house. Once the first drop of water gets into the system, it will cause more and more damage if not addressed immediately. Call professionals to inspect your roof and make the necessary changes. Sometimes, it is better to replace old roofs than to try and fix them. Even if you aren't experiencing any problems, you should still inspect your roof and gutters regularly. Regular roof maintenance will keep your house healthy and avoid major problems in the future.
Check All Gutters And Downspouts Regularly
A lot of water can accumulate near your house, especially during spring and summer. All that extra water needs to be drained properly to avoid major problems. Check gutters regularly to make sure they are not clogged with fallen leaves or other debris. It is better to clean them weekly instead of waiting for the problem to get worse. The gutter should be strong enough to carry water away from your house and toward the drain pipes. This will prevent any seepage into your foundation or basement. If you notice any problems with gutters, fix them immediately before it gets too late.
Invest In A Sump Pump For Your Basement
A sump pump is a great way to protect your basement from groundwater or flooding, which can cause even more serious problems such as mold growth or structural damage. Even if you don't have any problems with your basement, it is still a great investment. You can avoid unnecessary costs and keep your house protected at all times by installing sump pumps in the lowest part of your house. The pump will drain any water that accumulates there so that it won't cause damage to the foundation or the structure of your home.
Check Your Sink Pipes Often
It might seem like an easy thing to remember, but many people simply forget about checking their sink pipes for leakage until it's too late. This is especially true if there aren't any obvious signs of flood damage inside or outside the house. Remember to inspect all sink pipes for leakage or damage regularly. You can use the same test you did with the foundation crack by putting a thin broom straw into the drain and checking it later, just make sure there is some water on top of it this time! If you notice any leaks or problems with your sink pipes, it is best to call a plumber immediately.
Water damage is a serious problem that needs to be addressed right away, especially if there are some signs of water infiltration. The earlier you address the problem, the less expensive it will be for you in the long run. So make sure to keep these tips in mind and inspect your house regularly so you can have peace of mind knowing that your house is safe and secure.