4 Tips to Protect your Home from Water Damage

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

While water damage is often unavoidable—and not always preventable—there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of it happening.

Water damage is one of the top reasons for homeowners’ insurance claims in the United States. It can be relatively minor, like a small leak under the sink, or it can be catastrophic, like flooding due to bad weather. While water damage is often unavoidable—and not always preventable—there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of it happening in your home. Here are some tips on how to protect your home from water damage.

Check your plumbing regularly

Inspect for damage to your plumbing frequently. Leaks can be hard to spot, so pay attention to the sounds of water running or strange drips. If you notice anything suspicious, turn off the main water valve and call a plumber immediately.

Hair is one thing that causes blockages in sinks and drains, but other things such as food particles also contribute to clogged plumbing systems. If you notice that a sink takes longer than normal to drain, or if there's a persistent smell coming from the bathroom when no one has used it recently, look into cleaning out the drain line. A clogged drain might not seem like a huge problem until a water leak occurs inside your home.

Check your roof regularly

The best way to prevent water damage is to check your roof regularly and make sure it's in good working order. Look for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing, debris buildup that could cause leaks, and damage to the gutters.

Clean your gutters regularly

Cleaning your gutters regularly is also a great way to prevent water damage. The best time to do this is at the end of each season and before the first hard rain. If you don't already have a schedule for cleaning your gutters, consider setting aside one day in the late fall or early spring when you can get up on a ladder and give them a thorough once-over.

Make sure you're using safe practices when cleaning your gutters, such as wearing gloves and using caution while climbing up ladders, especially if they are old or unstable.

Know how to shut off your water main

The first step to dealing with a water main break is knowing where your shut-off valve is located. This valve is typically located in a basement or garage and should be clearly marked with a red cap or an "On/Off" sign. If you're lucky, it may even be labeled "Water Main." Turning the valve clockwise will completely shut off the water supply to any pipes that are connected to it.

Regular maintenance can help prevent water damage to your home.

To protect your home from water damage, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of water damage:

• Check the roof regularly. If you notice leaks or sagging in your roof, have it repaired as soon as possible.
• Check your plumbing regularly. Check faucets, toilets, and drains for clogs and other problems that could lead to water damage in your home.
• Clean gutters regularly. Over time, leaves and debris will build up in them and cause them to overflow during heavy rains—this can lead to extensive damage if left unchecked!

Now that you know how to avoid water damage in your home, you can rest easy. We hope this article was helpful in providing some tips on how to prevent water damage at home and what steps you should take if you do experience any problems with your plumbing or other areas of your property. If your home or business suffers from water damage, you can count on our SERVPRO of SERVPRO of Sanibel/Captiva Island/Ft Myers Beach team to be there to help with all the water damage cleanup and restoration!