There are lots of factors to consider when it comes to protecting your home. Aside from regular maintenance and monthly bills, water damage is also an important factor in keeping your home safe. A burst pipe or overflowing sink can lead to more drastic damages if left unchecked.
While there’s protection provided for most homeowners with insurance policies, it’s still important to take necessary precautions. For instance, if you have renters insurance in your apartment, then damages like this can be covered. But it’s way better to always take precautions and be safe.
Here are some quick tips to avoid water leakage:
Prevent Water Leakage with These Five Tips
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Disconnect hoses
Always disconnect your hoses from the faucet as standing water in a hose can freeze. If it creates an ice block, it can stop the water flow and can bust the pipes that can damage the walls, floor and foundation. When there’s no room for expansion, it can also result in broken valves and joints.
Although winters can be unpredictable, you can pack up your gardening and lawn tools to be ready for the season. You can also drain the outdoor faucet after disconnecting the hose to ensure the plumbing is safe in the freezing weather. You can use shut-off valves usually located in basements to block pipes that lead outdoors.
After ensuring that the outdoor pipes are dry, invest in an insulated faucet jacket to make sure that the freezing temperatures won’t affect your indoor plumbing as well.
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Clean gutters and waterspouts
When your gutters are neglected, it can get clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris that can cause water damage to the inside and outside of your home. Filthy gutters are also the homes for rodents, pests and molds. Moreover, letting your gutters remain filthy for a long time can cost you hundreds of dollars in the long run.
It’s recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year to prevent ice dams and blockage. Stagnant water can damage your roofs and gutters, and the overflow can create puddles that can damage the foundation. Don’t forget to clean the waterspouts to make the water flow freely and make sure they point away from your home.
You can also have a professional look at the gutters to have a thorough inspection and cleaning. If you’re doing it yourself, ensure that you use a sturdy ladder and all the steps are working properly. Don’t rest the ladder on the gutters as the additional weight can cause them to collapse.
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Maintain trees and vegetation
Shrubs can be a beautiful thing, unless their roots wrap around the pipes outside your home and break them. Make sure to minimize landscaping near utility pipes or you can just remove the ones that have become too big. One of the easiest methods of root control is to keep plants away from sewer lines, especially when building new homes.
Before planting anything, know where the sewer lines are. You can also choose slow-growing plants like Magic Carpet Spirea, Dwarf Rhododendrons or Compact holly shrub. Plant them at least 10 feet away from the pipes to prevent roots from fouling them.
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Know where your water main is
Know where your water main shutoff is located to make it easier to turn off if water enters your house. If you know where it is located, it can help minimize damage to your home. It’s also recommended to shut off the water main if you leave your house for an extended period of time. It can also prevent further damage in case an accidental leak or flooding comes up.
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Maintain appliances
Appliances are one of the most common causes of water damage inside the home. Check your appliances regularly for leaks, especially your washing machine and refrigerator hoses. When these become brittle, they are among the most frequent causes of water damage. A hose usually lasts about five years, ensure you replace it regularly to avoid costly damages.
You can opt to install a leak detection system on your appliances. It emits an alarm and also automatically shuts off the appliance. It can be costly, but will help save you a large amount of water bills and potential damage costs.
Water damage in your home can be very costly and can also affect your family’s health due to mold growth. Follow these tips for prevention of any leaks that can affect your home’s plumbing, gutter, appliances, etc. Remember to always check the water meter for leaks, or call a professional to address any damage.
