5 Ways To Prevent Water Damage

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Inspect your roof

Prevent Water Damage In Your Home

It is not uncommon to have damage from water in your home in Lafayette Hill, PA, but it can be costly. Taking the time to keep your house and plumbing well-maintained reduces the likelihood of dealing with frustrating pipe cleanup.

1. Check for Leaks
Inspect the areas around pipes for signs of moisture:

• Stains on the ceiling
  
• Dark spots inside sink cabinets
  
• Dripping faucets
  
• Leaking around the base of toilets
  
• Discoloration on windowsills
  
  

2. Locate Your Shut-Off Valves
Make sure you know how to shut off the water in case of an emergency. Locate the following shut-off areas:

• Inline valves to your sinks and toilets
  
• Valves to turn off the water to your washing machine or dishwasher
  
• Hot water shut-off for your water heater
  
• The main water line valve
  
  

Turning off the water can prevent additional damage. Test the valves routinely to ensure they are working. If flooding does occur, call a professional water restoration service to get your house back to its best.

3. Inspect Your Roof
Routinely check the roof and insulation for discoloration or other water damage signs. Inspect recessed lighting in the attic for rust or stains indicating moisture. Repair loose, missing or worn-out shingles and moisture barriers as needed to prevent water in your home.

4. Clean Your Gutters
Clean your gutters twice per year. If you live around many trees, you may want to clear them out more often. If gutters are clogged by leaves, nests, and debris, rainwater runs down the side of your house. This poor drainage causes damage to the siding and the foundation, creating pathways for moisture to flow inside.

5. Prevent Pipe Damage
Protect your pipes from freezing in cold weather. Install a leak detection system to alert you to a possible broken pipe or low temperatures. Taking measures to avert damage is easier to deal with than pipe cleanup from burst lines.
Sometimes, issues from water in your home are inevitable. However, with regular home maintenance checks and repairs, you can often prevent costly flooding situations.