It’s necessary to life, but paradoxically, water can be one of the most destructive forces on the planet. Even a small leak can create havoc in your home, from the cost of repairs to remedying mold and mildew problems. Learning how to prevent water damage in the first place can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.
First, let’s look at the ways water can enter your home from the outside, and how you can prevent that from happening:
- Clean gutters and downspouts twice per year, to remove clogs that might cause water to back up into your home
- Repair roof leaks or missing tiles immediately so that the problem doesn’t become even worse over time
- Minimize or remove landscaping elements whose roots can interfere with in-ground plumbing
- Disconnect hoses and wrap pipes in freezing weather – rarely a problem in Southern California, but something to keep in mind, just in case
Now, let’s talk about preventing things that happen inside your home, that can contribute to water leaks and resulting damage:
- Learn where your water main shutoff is located, so that you can immediately turn off the water in the event of a busted pipe or leaking appliance
- Maintain your appliances, paying special attention to old or brittle hoses on your washing machine and dishwasher. These must be replaced before they break or leak.
- Investigate any signs of a leak – even a funny musty smell – immediately. Repair even small leaks right away, because they become more serious over time.
- Check your water pressure, and reduce it if the reading shows a pressure over 100 psi. High water pressure can damage hoses and pipes.
- Watch your water bill. If it jumps significantly for no reason, you should suspect a leak somewhere within your plumbing.
- Install water detection devices with sump pumps, dishwashers, water heaters, washing machines, and any other appliance that uses water. These devices will sound an alarm if water is detected in the area.
Hopefully, these measures will prevent water damage from ever occurring in your home. But if you do experience a problem, give us a call right away. Addressing the problem immediately can help to minimize the damage and protect your family from mildew and mold.