5Water Restoration And Prevention Tips...

When people think of water damage in their home, the first things that come to mind are burst pipes and flood damage. But, these are not the only occurrences that could create a need for water  restoration. Water does not have to appear in one large onslaught to cause damage. It can also have an equally destructive effect through a slow accumulation of moisture over an lengthened period of time. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent water damage in your home.

The most likely cause of a burst pipe is from water expanding when it freezes. Where possible, you want to completely drain the water from any plumbing that is open to freezing temperatures. For example, it is important to use an air compressor to blow out your in-ground irrigation system if the system doesn’t drain automatically. You will need to make sure that you have a shutoff valve with a bleeder installed in the line inside your house. It is definitely worth the investing to take these steps, since the amount of water damage from a burst pipe is quite substantial.

When you purchased your home, you were required to obtain a document that stated whether it is located in a flood plain. So to avoid flood damage, the first precaution you can take is to make sure that your house is not located in a flood plain. To protect yourself from an unexpectedly large amount of precipitation or the effects of snow melt from an unusually snow winter, you can install a sump pump. You may want to invest in one that has some type of battery backup, as power failures occur most often during intense storms. Sump pumps will generate an ongoing cost, since they do require replacements of parts, as well as the entire unit over time. But, the cost is small compared to what you would spend on flood damage restoration.

Three other potentially large sources of water that could lead to significant water damage are your dishwasher, washing machine and water heater. The key here is to regularly inspect these appliances. Check the hoses on the dishwasher and washing machine. You may want to consider a preventative maintenance program of replacing hoses. Look for signs of leakage around the water heater. Water heaters don’t last indefinitely. Be prepared to purchase a new one approximately every 15 years. To prevent leaks from the outside, make sure that your roofing, gutters and siding are still intact. Finally, don’t forget about those little drips that can add up to a need for water damage restoration. Areas to check are your refrigerator’s water line; the caulking around your sink, shower, and tub; and your toilets.

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