Every few years, a catastrophic flood or hurricane occurs somewhere in the US. Our news stations display footage of the disaster around the clock, and we’re all horrified at the damage water can do. But in our everyday lives, it doesn’t take an enormous storm or some other calamity to cause significant water damage to our homes. Three of the most common sources of water damage threaten all of us, at any given time. Here’s how you can avoid them.
Prevent a leaking roof. Water that enters your home overhead can do a lot of damage before you even notice water dripping from the ceiling. That’s because it gets into your home and then seeks a lower level, often running to different spots and soaking structures before finally emerging where you can see it. Check your roof regularly for missing or damaged tiles, and make repairs promptly to prevent small leaks that turn into big trouble.
Clean out your gutters. Gutters are supposed to direct rainwater away from your home. But when they’re clogged, water can’t flow in the intended direction, and is likely to back up into your home. You can prevent this type of water damage by cleaning out your gutters regularly (about twice per year).
Maintain your plumbing. We often think of plumbing problems in terms of gushing water and instant damage. That does happen, but often we find that a slow dripping pipe can create major damage over time if it isn’t discovered quickly. Any time you notice a drop in water pressure or an odd mildew smell, it’s time to check your pipes.
You can detect a slow leak by simply turning off all faucets and appliances that use water. Then, check your water meter, wait an hour, and then check it again. If the numbers on the meter have changed at all, this indicates a leak somewhere in your plumbing.
Hopefully, the worst never happens, and you won’t need our services. But if you do experience water damage in your home, call us right away. Quick attention to the situation can help you save more of your possessions, and minimize the damage to your home.
