10 Tips for Preventing Water Damage in Your Home
Water is essential to life – there’s no question about it. However, water also has a devious side. When it gets in the wrong place, water can be very damaging to our homes, which can result in costly repairs or even health issues.
Water damage can also be unpredictable. It can happen from a severe storm or even a small leak in a pipe. That’s why it’s so important to always be on the lookout for risks and potential causes. Here are some tips for preventing water damage from affecting your home.
Monitor your home’s water pressure
If you have a leak in your plumbing, you may not realize it until it’s too late. One way you can identify an issue early is by installing an electronic water leak detection system on your main water supply line. It will monitor the water flow, pressure, and temperature, then alert you if there are any changes that may indicate a leak.
Replace old pipes with PEX
If you have old pipes in your home made from copper or galvanized steel, you don’t have to wait for a leak to replace them. Metal pipes can develop pinholes or joints can fail. A newer technology, PEX pipes are made from durable plastic that won’t corrode over time.
Keep your sump pump in working order
If you have a basement or crawl space, a sump pump is the best way to keep groundwater from entering your home. Inspect your sump pump periodically to make sure it’s properly plugged in and the float is working. The average service life of a sump pump is 8-10 years, so it’s a good idea to replace yours before it fails.
Clean your gutters
If your gutters are clogged with leaves or other debris, water can build up and flow over the edges instead of going through the downspouts. This water then lands close to your foundation and can find its way into your home.
Fix any chimney issues
There are a few ways water can get inside your home from a chimney, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any issues. You should have a chimney cap installed, repair damaged metal flashing, and have the chimney repointed if there are cracks or gaps in the mortar.
Regrade the ground away from the home
The ground should slope away from your home to prevent water from pooling along the foundation. You can add soil and easily regrade any area that is sloping toward your house.
Caulk gaps around windows and doors
Over time, caulk around windows and doors can crack or go missing. Inspect your home and caulk any gaps around the exterior of your home where water could sneak through.
Point downspouts away from the house
It’s not uncommon for downspouts to get bumped or accidentally moved. If the water is not directed away from the house, it may end up seeping through the foundation. It’s very easy to go around your home and make sure the downspouts are pointing in the right direction or install an extension to move the water further away.
Take care of your plumbing
Being aware of what you put down the drain can go a long way toward preventing clogs and leaks. Some easy rules to remember are to never pour grease down the sink drain, never flush anything down the toilet except for toilet paper, and to use a strainer to catch hair and debris in your tub drain.
Clean and inspect your roof
Water can find its way into the smallest areas, especially on your roof. To prevent damage and leaks, remove debris or moss from the roof, repair loose or broken shingles, and trim back any tree branches that are hanging over your roof.
If you have water damage in your home, you must act fast to fix the underlying cause. If that problem has to do with your plumbing – bring in the experts at Liberty Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call us at (951) 760-4215.
