How to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is common, and it’s costly, too. In fact, water damage costs billions of dollars annually in the United States. It’s in your best interest to protect your home from water damage—but how should you go about doing so?

Use these simple steps to ensure your home is protected against water damage year-round. If you have any questions, reach out to our water damage restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County.

1) Check those hoses and faucets

And do it on a regular basis.

Can you count all the hoses in your house? There’s a hose for your washing machine, a hose for your dishwasher, and a hose for your refrigerator. Be sure to check them all on an annual basis, keeping a lookout for cracks and leaks.

Beyond that, we recommend you replace all your hoses every five to seven years to stay ahead of problems.

2) Don’t balk at caulk

Check your showers and tubs.

The caulking around your showers and tubs should be watertight. If you find cracks in the caulk, you should take time to replace them. This can help prevent water from the shower from seeping into your floor—a common source of water damage in the home.

3) Do you know where your water main is?

Find it—and learn how to shut it off.

On a cold winter day, a pipe could suddenly burst in your home. If that happens, it’s important to know how to shut off the water supply. In most situations, shutting off the water main will stop the flow of water and save you from unnecessary water damage.

4) Invest in floor pans for your appliances

Combat slow leaks in your dishwasher or washing machine.

No, floor pans won’t help you in the event of a “catastrophic” leak. However, a simple floor pan underneath the dishwasher or washing machine can prevent damage from slow, undetected leaks.

It can also alert you to undetected leaks in the first place. If you look and notice that the tray has gathered water, you’ll know your appliance or its hoses may need minor leak repairs. 

5) Make sure your sump pump works

It can keep your basement free from rainwater.

No one wants to deal with a flooded basement. If you have a basement and a sump pump, make sure you service and maintain it at least once a year.

6) Check your roof and gutters

Blocked gutters bring on the damp.

If you have leaves, weeds, or moss in your gutters, the drainage system that siphons water away from your home may be blocked. The result is more moisture where you least want it.

While you’re checking for leaves in the gutter, be sure to inspect your roof inside and out. Look for any signs of visible damage and water leaking into your home.

7) Pipes—it’s all about pipes

Stop a burst pipe before it happens.

Earlier, we mentioned the possibility of a burst pipe—a common occurrence in cold weather. However, it doesn’t have to happen to you if you protect the pipes in your home.

You can use a smart thermostat to maintain a temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit in your home, even if you plan on being away for a while. This will keep the water in the pipes from freezing.

Keep Your Home Safe from Water Damage

Now that you know how to protect your home from water damage, you’re well equipped to prevent a serious water problem from interrupting your life.

If you do find yourself dealing with water damage, you’ll want to address it ASAP to prevent further damage. For fast 24-hour service, reach out to our specialists at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County. We’ll help you restore your home to its pre-water-damage condition.