Water may be essential to human life, but it can also cause destruction when it finds its way into your home uncontrolled. Most homeowners have seen and experience water damage incidents. Some water damage incidents were minor, while some can be severe.
Generally, you can’t do much to prevent damages that may occur due to inclement weather, such as flooding. In such cases, you should call an expert right away. You search for water damage specialists on websites like waterdamagespecialist.com.au/sydney/ to look for professionals that can help you.
That said, water damage at home can be avoided in several ways. This article shares valuable tips that can help you. Read on.
- Get Regular Professional Preventive Maintenance
In most homes, a compromised plumbing system is the leading cause of water damage. Whether it’s a clogged toilet or a small, hidden leak, a damaged or unmaintained plumbing system can let water out where it shouldn’t be.
That said, regular preventive maintenance of your plumbing system helps prevent the frustration of unnecessary and nasty water damage caused by your water and sewer lines. And while you can try to inspect on your own, it’s recommended to hire a professional plumber to do the job.
This helps save you effort and time while ensuring a comprehensive assessment of your plumbing system. Most plumbers are trained to find minor issues within your plumbing system and resolve them accordingly. As a result, you can rest assured that your plumbing is working in the best conditions.
- Attend To Gutters And Downspouts
Like your plumbing pipes, gutters, and downspouts help direct and control water, keeping it away from your home’s structure and foundation to prevent damage. However, your home’s gutter system can also get clogged, causing water to overflow and spill over during inclement weather.
This can create standing water on your roof, which compromises the integrity of your roof system. Water can also seep into your roofing material, causing leaks in your attic and ceilings. In addition, when water spills over the gutters, it can erode the soil around your home. This compromises your foundation and creates leaks into your home, damaging your basement, walls, and floors.
To avoid these problems, you must clean your downspouts and gutters at least twice a year or more if nearby trees exist. Also, consider adding a 90-degree downspout extension or elbow to carry water away from your home’s foundation. This will help prevent soil erosion around your home.
- Check The Roof
Speaking of the roof, a clogged gutter isn’t the only cause of leaks in your roof. Water damage may also occur due to damaged or worn roofing. Generally, a weather-tight roof can protect your home against water damage. However, with age, your roofing becomes prone to wear and tear, causing holes and allowing water leaks.
Thus, you must regularly inspect your roof. This is particularly important if you have an older roof or a storm is approaching your area. Check for any missing, loose, broken, or cracked shingles that allow water to leak into the attic or ceiling and resolve them accordingly. Furthermore, take the time to clear overgrown moss and debris on your roof, which causes roofing materials to rot.
- Invest In A Water Detection System
Even with regular plumbing inspection, water leaks can slip away unknowingly, mainly if it occurs behind wall or ceilings. To prevent severe water damage from hidden leaks, adding a water detection system can provide alerts on potential water leaks or moisture before it creates extreme damage. The best devices are quite effective at detecting slight moisture levels and slow hidden leaks that would’ve otherwise gone unnoticed.
Consider adding a water detection device near high-risk areas, including sump pumps, toilets, and water heaters. Most sensors can connect to your home phone or home security system for your convenience, so you can receive real-time alerts even if you’re not home.
- Start Caulking
Sometimes, the best way to prevent water damage in your home is simply by purchasing a caulking gun and sealing holes and cracks. You can prevent common leaks around your home for the price of a tube or two of caulking.
So, when the weather is fair, inspect your home’s entry points and check for cracked or missing caulking. Pay attention to windows and doors where water tends to accumulate. Furthermore, look into your showers, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs for missing or cracked seals.
Any holes or cracks you notice, regardless of how small, should be filled. This helps prevent even the smallest amount of water or moisture from causing damage to your home.
Takeaway
Water is meant to be within your home in a controlled manner, in your plumbing pipes and drains. Never should it occur in basements, floors, walls, and crawlspaces. If it does, uncontrolled water can cause costly, short- and long-term damage to your home. As such, remember the above tips to protect your home and prevent water damage.
Thomas Jackson is a dynamic and talented content writer at WonderWorldSpace.com, renowned for his engaging and informative articles. Beyond his professional pursuits in writing, Jack is also known for his deep passion for fitness, which not only shapes his lifestyle but also influences his work.