5 Ways to Avoid Water Damage – And What To Do When It Happens

A flood inside your home is unfortunate. And it happens more often than people realize. The first impression of walking into a room that has been flooded is usually shock. Homeowners will then start to wonder where all the water came from, followed shortly by how they can get the water issue under control.

In this article, we detail five crucial tips to help homeowners avoid extreme damage from flooding. The best advice when it comes to flooding is to act quickly.

Tip 1: Investigate Your Plumbing

Plumbing pipes are a known source of leaks and problems for homeowners. If you are plumbing backs up into your home, you could be dealing with a gray matter issue. If a water line were to leak, you could have water flowing into your home at a very fast pace. Whatever the case may be, stopping plumbing issues in their tracks is a must. Inspect your pipes, faucets, and water-using appliances for any signs of leaks. Listen for dripping sounds and look for damp spots or discolored areas near plumbing fixtures. If you spot a leak, address it immediately to prevent further damage. Allowing a plumbing leak to continue can cause extensive damage to your home. Leaks can happen at just about any part of the plumbing, and too often, it happens where you can’t see it. Water pressure might not be the first thing you think of when you consider water damage as a problem. But, high water pressure can strain your plumbing system and increase the likelihood of leaks. For those that are more mechanically inclined and confident using a pressure gauge, measure the water pressure in your home. If it exceeds 80 psi, consider installing a pressure regulator to reduce the pressure.

Tip 2: Check Gutters and Downspouts Often

Properly functioning gutters and downspouts are crucial for directing rainwater away from your home. Failing to maintain them can lead to water seepage and damage to your foundation. Regularly Clean Gutters by removing debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt from your gutters to prevent clogs. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your home. Consider using gutter guards to minimize debris buildup. If you don’t have a gutter guard installed now, consider contacting a professional for an installation. Is water being directed away from your home? Ensure that your downspouts are directing water at least three feet away from your foundation. This helps prevent water from pooling around your home’s foundation, which can seep into the basement or crawl spaces.

Tip 3: Get A Drainage System Professionally Installed

Does your home have a drainage system setup? Are you asking, what is a drainage system right now? There are several ways to get water away from your home. The goal is to direct any rainwater or moisture as far away from your foundation as possible. Sump pumps are an incredible device used to pump excess water out of basements and crawl spaces. They can be a lifesaver. A common problem for homeowners is not having proper grading. Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. If you don’t have a proper slope, water can pull around the foundation and seep into your basement, where the crawl space is. Helping water flow away is one of the best ways to avoid flooding in your basement.

Tip 4: Winterize: Insulate and Protect Pipes

Would you like to avoid extensive damage to your home in winter? If so, properly insulating and protecting your pipes from bursting is one of the most proactive things you can do. We recommend that you insulate exposed pipes found in basements, addicts, or crawl spaces. There is special heat tape that can be applied to protect them from freezing. If pipes freeze rapidly, it can expand the pipe too much, causing it to burst. This can create a huge problem inside your home, where you might not even see water leaking. Another handy tip to consider is maintaining consistent temperatures in your home. It can be tempting when you are going on vacation in winter to turn off the heat altogether to save on money. After all, you aren’t home anyway. But this can be a huge mistake, and one homeowners make every year. Turning off your heat will lower the temperature in your home, which can freeze the pipes. All it takes is a temperature change, and water can start flowing into your home. Instead, drop the thermostat to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tip 5: Quality Roofing-Get An Inspection

You might be surprised to learn that one of the many causes of water damage to a home happens on the roof. When water leaks from the roof, it can cause excessive issues with the attic or even your ceiling and foundation. Oftentimes, roof leaks will go unnoticed. We recommend after a severe storm, especially those with hail, that you have your roof inspected for damages.

Water Damage Has Happened? What Next?

Despite your best efforts, water damage can still occur. If you experience water damage, swift action is crucial to mitigate further harm. One of the first things you need to do is turn off the water supply. If you aren’t familiar with your home’s water supply and shut-off system, now is a good time to get familiar. You can contact your local plumber to run through the main water supply shut-off and how to do so if a water main leak occurs. If water has flooded parts of your home, no matter the source, immediate action is critical. Water damage can lead to mold and extensive damage to building materials. Common issues include wood rot and crumbling drywall. Restoration companies are the first line of defense anytime water goes where it shouldn’t in your home.

Disaster Recovery Restoration offers lighting-fast restoration throughout the Phoenix area. It’s critical that when a disaster strikes, you have someone you can count on for immediate service. Luckily, those in the Phoenix area can count on the professionals at Disaster Recovery Restoration for an immediate response 24/7/365. The extensive process of water damage restoration starts with water removal. Then the area will need to be cleaned out of materials that are beyond repair, followed by drying the area. Sanitizing and mold remediation will also be needed to protect the home from further issues like mildew smells and mold.