When you think of water damage, flooding basements is probably the first thing that comes to mind. If your basement has flooded in the past, you may be familiar with all of the problems associated with it. Your basement will flood again if you don’t act on preventative measures. It’s not a matter of if your basement will flood; it’s when. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting water damaged again.
It doesn’t take much for water to cause significant damage to your home. The most common places people see water damage are under sinks, cabinets, and floors. When you have a leak in any of these areas, you can end up damaging many valuable items in your house. For example, did you know that a sink leaking even one drop of water could result in mold growth? Mold grows quickly when there is moisture present. You don’t want this growing on anything in your house!
If the person will be alert and keep in mind certain tips then he will not face the problem of water damage. The water damage can lead to the emergence of molds that can take a devastating turn. A person needs to be careful for the option. He can join the flooded basement pump and reach the goals.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe from water damage.
- Make sure your home is properly drained. Check your sump pump regularly to make sure it is working correctly. In addition, check your pipes for leaks. Have them repaired as soon as possible so they aren’t contributing to a problem.
- Keep all appliances away from walls. This includes refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers. If water can get behind or underneath these appliances, it can cause damage to your floor.
- Be aware of where the water is coming from. Is it dripping from a roof? Are there cracks or holes in the foundation? Do you have a faulty faucet that isn’t keeping the water out? Are you using an old toilet that is leaking? If you notice a pattern of water damage, call a professional immediately.
- Install weather stripping around windows and doors. Weatherstripping is like a gasket. It helps to keep air out and water in. This prevents moisture from building up inside your home.
- Don’t let snow build up on your roof. Snow can weigh down shingles and eventually cause them to break. A broken roof can lead to water damage from rain. Even worse, it can cause roof leaks!
- Be careful what you store in your basement. Avoid storing flammable objects such as cardboard boxes. You should also remove rugs and other large pieces of furniture. Store things in plastic bins instead. If you must use a box, do not stack heavy objects on top of each other. Stack them vertically and then wrap them tightly with duct tape. This will help keep them stable and prevent them from shifting.
- Clean up after storms. After a storm passes, inspect your home. There may still be standing water. If you spot any, mop it up. Use buckets to catch any excess water you find. Then, put everything back in its original position.
- Get rid of any pet droppings. Don’t allow pets to roam outside and create messes. If you have a dog, make sure it is fully vaccinated against rabies. And, never leave a puppy alone outside of the yard. They can easily wander off into traffic and become run over.
- Inspect your home frequently for signs of deterioration. Look at your ceilings, walls, corners, and baseboards. Any holes or cracks need to be fixed right away.
- Fix any cracked tile floors. If you notice cracks, fix them before the problem gets bigger. Tile is very porous and absorbs a lot of water. If you live near a lake or river, you should look into having your tiled floors replaced. Tiling is quite expensive, but it will save you money in the long run.
- Seal cracks in concrete. If you notice any cracks in your concrete driveway, sidewalk, or patio, seal them. This will prevent further damage. If you are unsure how to seal cracks, ask someone who knows what they’re doing.
- Get your gutters cleaned. Gutters collect debris and dirt which can cause clogs. This can lead to more water damage. To clean your gutters, hire a professional.
- Replace your faucets and toilets. Faucets and toilets are often overlooked when it comes to preventing water damage. If you notice leaks, leaks, or slow draining, you should have them repaired. You wouldn’t want your kitchen sink overflowing every time you took a shower, would you?
- Have your roof inspected once a year. Roofs are prone to leaks. As mentioned earlier, snow can weigh down shingles and cause them to break. It can also cause water damage if there are holes or tears in the shingle. To prevent this, have your roof inspected annually by a professional.
- Check your crawl space. If you have a crawl space, check it once a year. This will help you to detect any leaks before they turn into bigger issues.
- Call your insurance company to report any damages. Many homeowners’ policies include additional coverage for water damage. If you suspect you’ve been hit by water, call your insurance company right away.
- Keep your home well-maintained. If you have trees or shrubs growing close to your house, trim them back or replace them with something else. This will reduce the risk of tree branches falling onto your house. Also, clear brush and weeds around your home. This will help stop erosion and water runoff.
- Remove dead plants. Dead plants attract pests and bacteria, which can cause mold to grow. Once mold begins to appear, it can spread rapidly throughout your home. Removing dead plants will help prevent this from happening.
- Clean the exterior of your home. This can prevent water from getting in through your siding and windows. Take care of any loose paint on your home.
- Consider adding a waterproof membrane to your roof. This is especially important if you live in an area that experiences high humidity. Moisture can seep through your shingles and cause your roof to rot.
