Even if you haven’t had water damage, you know exactly how uncomfortable and stressful it can be, especially if it could’ve been prevented. Because water moves through almost every room in the house, it is not surprising that water damage is a prevalent claim. Water damage or freezing is the second most typical source of property damage claims after wind and hail damage. So, how can you prevent water damage? Begin by identifying your home’s weakest points.
Places to Check for Water Damage
Finding water damage is stressful, particularly if mold has already grown. Water damage remediation is never an excellent job to include in a homeowner’s checklist. However, it ought to be dealt with promptly before it spreads and increases repair costs. Mold can grow in forty-eight hours in any area that has built up dampness due to water damage. Water penetrates through walls and floors, making water damage repair a challenging job.
Water Heaters
Water heaters constantly leak, especially when they are old. In fact, leaks or bursts have caused around 70% of all failures. You could have a minor leak or even a small flood, depending on the size of the tank. In any scenario, don’t hesitate to contact a water damage restoration specialist and a plumber to fix or repair the water heater as well as the building parts surrounding it before mold expands. If you don’t have enough funds to fix water damage, you may want to try getting a loan for repairing your house from reputable remediation companies.
Gutters
Obstructed gutters, for example, are an external source of water damage that should not be ignored. Ensure that your gutters are clean of debris in the fall and spring so that water can flow easily away from the foundation. To avoid a devastating flood, make sure that your gutters are clean and free of debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt. You can also get help from natural disaster cleanup companies if your gutters are clogged.
Water Pipes
Pipe leaks are a frequent source of water damage. One of the most frightening concepts is that most pipes are hidden, which indicates water damage can go unnoticed for an extended duration before it becomes visible through walls and flooring. Most pipe leaks occur as a result of their age and the need for a substitute. Regular inspections by a competent plumber will aid you in preventing water damage.
Sump Pumps
The only time you should be concerned about these appliances is through heavy rainfalls and storms. It may malfunction if the unit is old or can not manage the amount of water going into the foundation. Water progressively fills the surrounding areas, seeping through the walls, insulation, and flooring, causing an awful flood.
To prevent the issue, make sure your sump pump is in good working order and can pump considerable amounts of water away from your property. Pour a big bucket of water into the hole and watch it pump water away from the property to check it.
Ultimately
Preventive measures are always better, but water damage is unavoidable in many cases. If you discover water damage, the best thing to do is to tend to it immediately. Hire a licensed, legal, and professional water restoration firm that can accomplish its job promptly and guide you on how to avoid future damage. Additionally, use the following tips above to help protect your home against water damage before they occur.