If you’ve read this blog for any length of time at all, then you know that water damage is one of the most severe threats that any home can face. It only takes a small leak to cause significant damage, and large problems such as burst pipes or storm related flooding can wreak serious havoc. The good news is that you can take steps to prevent these problems, simply by being proactive in the inspection of your home for potential problems, and making sure you keep up regular maintenance on your plumbing and appliances.
Appliances are marvelous conveniences in any home, but unfortunately they are also one of the single best sources for water problems. Dishwashers, icemakers, and washing machines are all perfectly capable of springing leaks and putting water everywhere that it doesn’t belong. Typically, the leaks occur either beneath or behind the appliance in question, meaning we usually don’t notice it until the problem is much more severe.
It is always advisable to check your hoses two or three times a year to make sure that they are firmly attached, with no obvious signs of wear and tear. Inspect where the hoses are attached, as well as any points where they are sharply bent, as these can be prime leakage locations. Hoses older than four or five years should be replaced.
Your washing machine should ideally be located in your basement or lowest level of your home. You don’t want a washing machine malfunction to drip down through your ceiling, causing even more serious headaches.
Don’t forget your water heater. We’ve all been in basements and seen water heaters with leakage all over the surrounding concrete. The anode rod should be replaced as it becomes corroded, and flushing the tank out a couple of times each year removes built up sediment, which can reduce the effectiveness of the unit as a whole. Be diligent in replacing any worn out parts.
Of course your toilet and bathroom utilities are going to be prime sources for water damage. Who hasn’t had a toilet overflow from time to time? Make sure all of your toilet’s systems are working properly, and replace any faulty parts as needed. If your toilet does overflow, shut off the water supply as quickly as possible to minimize the spill.
You should also inspect your home’s plumbing regularly for signs of leakage. Either reseal or replace any leaking pipes as you find them. Remember, even the smallest leak can grow into a major disaster if left unattended long enough. Hint: if your water bill suddenly skyrockets, that is a pretty good sign that something is wrong in your plumbing system.
Basement flooding is another culprit when it comes to home water damage problems. Basements are natural attractions for water, being the lowest lying areas of any home coupled with the fact that water prefers to flow downhill. You can alleviate this problem by installing a sump pump in your basement. These units are designed to catch excess water and filter it out and away from your home before it can back up and become a problem.
In the event that all of the above suggestions fail (or aren’t paid any attention to), then you need someone in your corner who can solve the myriad of problems that are going to arise as a result. Water Damage Local.com is available 24/7, with full staff, the most up to date equipment, and services designed to return your property to its pre-loss condition. For complete flood damage and water restoration services, contact Water Damage Local.com today.
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