Easy Ways to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

Do you know how to prevent water damage in your home? Water damage is one of the most common homeowner insurance claims. Yet, many of us fail to recognize the danger. A flooded home can result in thousands of dollars of repairs, take months to completely clean up and restore and even cause permanent damage to belongings, some of which cannot be replaced.

Fretting about possible scenarios won’t help, but there are easy ways to prevent water damage in your home. By covering these bases, you’ll take important steps to prevent water damage. These are simple steps – things every homeowner can do – but are often overlooked.

What are the best and easiest ways to prevent water damage to your home?

Periodically check hoses to busy appliances.

Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators can be common sources of water leakage. If you want to know how to prevent water damage in your in your kitchen or laundry area, there’s an easy place to start – check the hose on your appliances.

These hoses should be inspected, and sometimes replaced, as a matter of routine. Washing machine hoses, refrigerator water hose lines and dishwasher hoses should be replaced approximately every three to five years. Inspecting hoses yearly can alert you to wear and tear that would indicate earlier replacement.

Consider leak monitoring alarms or flow monitoring systems.

To head off a leak before it gets out of hand, consider a leak-monitoring alarm system or a flow meter. They offer peace of mind when you’re not home and are perfect for rental and vacation homes.

Leak detectors or leak alarms are easy to install. Some send notifications to your smartphone or even handle water shut off. There are a wide range of options available for homeowners to consider. A leak detector or leak alarm can be a good addition for basements, laundry rooms, under sinks and attics.

A flow monitoring system can be attached to your water main and alert you to any unusual water use increases, whether caused by a leaky or left-on faucet or a major water leak. A flow monitoring system also is a great answer for rental and vacation homes, allowing the homeowner to catch major leaks quickly.

Fix cracked or missing caulk on tubs, showers, doors and windows.

Cracked caulk around areas where water might be present can be a precursor to a leak. Water can rot wooden window sills, lead to mold and other issues such as bubbling paint or drywall.

People often ask how to prevent water damage in the bathroom and the caulking on tubs and showers is an obvious location to begin. If you see your caulk is beginning to crack, simply purchase a tube of caulk and get started fixing those little leaks!

Keep your gutters clean.

Clogged gutters can cause water damage quickly, and most gutters do accumulate leaves and debris over time. Checking gutters should be done once or twice a year. Keep in mind that cleaning gutters can be dangerous, since it involves a ladder, so a gutter guard system is often the best solution. A gutter guard system can prevent this clogging by keeping debris out and water flowing.

Repair or replace your roof when necessary.

A roof repair or replacement can be costly, but water damage from a leaking or damaged roof is expensive as well. You should consider a roof replacement or repair if you see curling or bald shingles, cracked shingles, moss growth on the roof or if you notice interior signs of roof leakage (sagging ceilings, discolored spots, mold or mildew, peeling paint or water dripping). You also should consider a roof replacement if your roof is at least 20 years old.

Know the location of your water main shut off.

In an emergency situation, when water is pouring in your home, would you know the location of your main water shut off valve? Make sure you and everyone in your home knows how to shut off the water quickly. This can be a simple way to prevent a smaller water emergency from becoming a larger one.

Make sure water is draining away from your home.

Checking downspouts is important. Make sure all your downspouts are clear and positioned away from the house Also, the landscaping around your house should include grading that slopes away from the foundation.

Be aware of your typical water use.

Scanning your water bill to ensure things look normal is another easy way to detect leaks. If you see a sudden jump in water use, you can begin to investigate where a leak might be happening and perhaps catch it before it becomes a disaster.

Need emergency water damage help?

Now that you know some easy steps regarding how to prevent water damage in your home, you’ll feel more confident that many major leaks can be avoided. If you do have water damage, you need to find emergency water damage help – and fast!

Ram Restoration offers emergency water damage restoration in Dayton, Centerville, Beavercreek and Springboro, Ohio and surrounding areas. We offer certified and trained professionals who can respond quickly, available 24/7.