Unfortunately, water damage happens too often. This issue is one of the most expensive and problematic of home repairs. But how does it happen? What do you do when it happens, and most importantly, how do you prevent it from happening in the first place?
As gutter cleaning experts, we encounter water damage more times than we want on the job site. Here is what you need to know to protect your home.
How Water Damage Happens
Water damage can happen in a matter of minutes from an array of different sources: A burst pipe, backed up drains, damaged gutters, floods, foundation cracks, overflowing washing machines or toilets, heavy snow or rain. The list of possible causes can continue endlessly. Whether water gets into your home from a cracked foundation, leaky roof or broken pipe, you must act as quickly as possible to save as much as possible.
How Water Damages Your Home
While it might not seem like a big deal, water damage can lead to an array of issues. These can include:
- Foundation damage
- Structural damage
- Roof damage
- Mold and mildew
- Damaged belongs, like electronics and furniture
- Floor damage, including carpets, tile and hardwood
How to Treat Water Damage
So you have discovered water in areas of your home where there should not be water. First, don’t panic. You need to act quickly and panicking won’t help. Here’s what you should do if you discover water leaking into your home.
- Turn off your water supply at the valve. While the water could be coming from rains or snow, it is better to turn off the water to your home than have the damage continue.
- Disconnect any electronics. You don’t want electronics plugged in if water is pooling in your home, so be sure to unplug and remove any electronics in the area. This can also prevent them from being damaged by the water.
- Remove any furniture, if you can. While a massive bookcase or entertainment center might not be moveable, be sure to remove any small pieces of furniture. This can help save the items and lower your repair and restoration costs.
- Get rid of the water. Mop up any water you see using mops and old towels.
- Dry out the area using fans and humidifiers.
How to Prevent Water Damage
While knowing how and why water damage can occur, it is important to understand how to prevent this damage from occurring.
- Know where your water main is and how to turn it off.
- Disconnect any hoses attached to outdoor water spigots. Water can freeze in the hose and throughout the pipe, causing the pipe to break in worst case scenarios.
- Wrap any exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting.
- Check appliances regularly to ensure they aren’t leaking or being damaged by water.
- Check your water pressure. Setting your water pressure too high could result in pipes and hoses failing. Stay within 40 to 70 psi.
- Keep an eye on your water bill. If it spikes without cause, you could have a leak.
- Schedule gutter cleanings regularly. Improperly maintained gutters can allow water to pool at the foundation which leads to extensive water damage. Have a professional, like one of our technicians, service your gutters.
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