Water has the potential to damage any area of your home. It can cause warping, buckling, expansion, and mold throughout the house. From the roof to the foundation, water can cause devastating damage at an outrageous cost. Fortunately, the are preventative steps you can take to avoid water damage. Continue reading for some tips on how to avoid a water catastrophe in your home!

 

 

Shut off Water

If you're going out of town, it is a good idea to shut of the water to your home. This will ensure you don't come home from your happy vacation to a flooded living room. This is especially important when it comes to mold. Mold can begin to grow in as little as twenty-four hours. Mold is a health hazard, and the damage can last much longer than the physical property damage caused by water.

Clean Gutters

This task is huge in preventing water damage. Buildup in gutters can stop water flow, causing water to pool. Clogged gutters can result in leaks, roof damage, flooding, and interior damage. Clean your gutters now to avoid a huge headache later!

 

Disconnect Hoses

It's wise to disconnect your hoses, especially during the winter months. Any water inside the house has the potential to freeze into the pipe, causing leaks or a totally broken pipe.

 

Check Before You Plant 

Before planting any trees or bushes, make sure you're not placing them close to any pipes or septic tanks. Once the plants are mature, their roots can burst pipes and sewer lines.

 

Look At Your Water Bill

An unusually high water bill is a good indication that there is a leak somewhere. These kinds of leaks can go unnoticed for a long time, causing irreversible water damage. If your bill comes in high, check for leaks and make a call to your water provider.

 

Do Not Ignore - Know The Signs

The most obvious sign of a moister problem is a puddle on the floor or flooded areas. At that point, it is absolutely a good idea to call someone. Other times, it may not be as easy to detect. Keep an eye out for signs of water, and please don't ignore them. They will likely get worse. Any warping, discoloration, wood expansion, and general change in appearance can indicate you have a water problem. Check for leaks and call in a professional. Know where your main shutoff valve is in case of an emergency. Shut the water off before calling for help.

 

In the event that you come home to a flooded basement or an overflowing bathtub, it is crucial to dry it out immediately. Shop-Vacs are a fantastic water removal tool. Don't stop once you've gotten the majority of the water out though. You want it completely dry. Put every fan you own in the flooded area, open windows if possible, and remove wet belongings. You might call a water restoration company right away to assess the damage. Your goal here is to not only avoid damage to the home, but to eliminate the chances of mold growth. Mold can cause serious health defects, and remediation is costly. If you're unsure, it is always worth calling in professional. Water damage is not worth the risk.

If you find yourself in need of a plumber, roofer, or restoration company, don't hesitate to give us a call. We have worked with many contractors in this city, and we are happy to provide recommendations. If you're looking to buy a home and want to know what to look for and what to expect if an issue arises, our team can help!