How To Prevent Water Damage

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

Seepage vs. Flood

Water damage can completely ruin parts of your house if left untreated. Sometimes, flooding and busted pipes are inevitable. However, there are a few tips you can follow to try and prevent water damage. It can be an awful thing to happen to your house. If left untreated for too long, the entire thing may have to be gutted. It can also cause mold, and breathing that in might lead to health effects in the future. For those reasons, it is smart to be proactive about water damage. Of course, you can’t guarantee it will never happen. If water damage does harm your home, there are ways to fix it.

Water Seepage in your Basement

Basements are a common place for water damage to start. Depending on how often you use your basement, it may take a while to notice. By the time you notice, the damage could be unfixable. To prevent water damage in your basement, reseal it. Cracks in the foundation or floor could lead to water getting into the basement during a storm. While this may not have been a problem before, walls and floors can deteriorate over time. Using water sealant can help.

Another reason for water collecting in your basement may have to do with draining. After a heavy storm, the water should drain away from your house. However, sometimes this doesn’t happen and rainwater will drain into your basement. If you notice a problem with drainage, try and get it resolved.

Indoor Plumbing Systems

Your indoor plumbing systems may be the cause of water damage at some point. This can come from pipes and appliances. You should make it a habit to check dishwashers, washers, and hoses every year. Cracks or leaks can quickly lead to water damage. There is also the option of putting in a leak-monitor, which would shut off your water system if a leak is detected. The seals around your shower or bathtub can also deteriorate. Make sure to check them regularly, and reseal if needed.

Whenever you go on vacation, make sure to get the water that runs to your washing machine cut off. It is common for this water supply to cause issues, and if you’re on vacation you won’t be there to notice it. In addition, make sure not to leave the house while your dishwasher or washing machine is running. If an issue arises, areas of your house can flood quite quickly. An emergency pressure release valve might also be a good idea. Any increased pressure on your pipes could make them burst, but installing a release valve will protect against it.

It is important to note that water damage can still happen. No matter how cautious and proactive you are, accidents come up. A bad storm or busted pipe could lead to flooding. In an event like that, reach out to SERVPRO. You can call us at any time, day or night, 773-878-5200.