No one wants to deal with the hassle and expense that comes with water damage. However, water damage is something that many homeowners have dealt with at one point or another.

Serious water damage can lead to mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. Therefore, it’s important to learn about the ways you can effectively protect your home against water damage.

Keep reading this guide to learn about the 10 ways to protect your home from water damage.

How Does Water Damage Homes?

There are many different factors that lead to water damage. Torrential rain storms and hurricanes can often lead to flooding within your home and can lead to severe water damage in many cases.

That said, inclement weather is not the only factor responsible for water damage. In fact, water damage usually happens in much more subtle ways. For example, you may have a leak in your pipes, a leak in your roof, or another type of underlying plumbing issue.

Water Damage Prevention Tips

1. Keep Gutters and Spouts Clean

One way to prevent water damage is to keep your gutters and spouts cleaned and maintained. Clogged gutters and spouts can increase the odds of a leaky roof and in severe cases, can even cause your roof to collapse.

2. Inspect Sinks and Drains

To avoid water damage, it’s always important to inspect your sinks and drains. You can do this by observing the drain taps in your sink cabinets.

Likewise, you will want to be mindful of what you flush down the drain. Things like cooking grease and food can cause your drain to become clogged and will damage your pipes.

3.  Maintain Downspouts

Downspouts are built around the sides of your house and are responsible for moving water from your gutters. Regularly maintaining your downspouts will also help prevent water damage to your home. 

Looking for a good way to see if your downspouts are working properly? Try running water through the gutters and observe if there are any abnormalities with the flow.

4. Maintain Appliances

Appliances like washing machines and refrigerator hoses are common culprits of water damage. Not only should you maintain these appliances, but you should also consider getting a replacement if you’ve had any of these appliances for longer than five years.

5. Maintain and Inspect Your HVAC and Sprinkler Systems

Your HVAC and sprinkler systems should also be maintained if you wish to prevent water damage. Be sure to change your HVAC filter regularly and clean its condenser. Also, pay attention to the spray patterns of your hose and try to keep the water away from your sidewalks.

6. Prevent Pipes From Freezing

During the winter season, it’s common for the water in your pipes to freeze. This can lead to a pipe burst or leakage and cause water damage in your home. To prevent pipes from freezing, consider investing in a smart thermostat. Then, monitor the temperature to be sure it always stays at 10 degrees Celsius or above.

7. Install Leak Detectors

Did you know that many homeowners will have leaks in their homes without even realizing it? Another great preventative measure for water damage is leak detectors. These devices will alarm you of any floods or leaks that are occurring in your home.

8. Make Sure Your Sump Pump Is Working

While sump pumps work great at preventing water damage, they do have the potential to fail. Frequently check that the circuit breaker of your sump pump is on and that your sump pump hasn’t been accidentally knocked over. You can also test this by pouring water into your sump pump and observing its movement.

9. Look for Areas of Moisture or Mold

Moisture and mold are two big signs of water damage in your home. If your home has too much moisture you may notice flaky wallpaper and  tiny black marks. Another good indicator is a musty scent throughout your home. A good way to decrease the moisture in your home is to invest in a dehumidifier.

10. Pay Attention to Your Water Bills

Notice an odd increase in your water bills lately? This could indicate a leak in your home that you aren’t aware of. If you cannot find a visible leak within your home, be sure to call a professional plumbing company to further investigate.

Bonus Tip: Locate Your Shut-Off Valve

So, you’ve just realized you have a leaky pipe? First things first, you will immediately want to locate and turn off your main valve. This will prevent further damage from happening before the professionals arrive.

Call Northeast Power Dry for Water Damage

Have you experienced any water damage in your home lately? Our experts at Northeast Power Dry will provide water restoration with services available 24/7.

Give us a call at 848-233-3345 or contact us here for any other questions or concerns.