Money and Time Saving Tips to Protect your Home against Water Damage

Water damage will surely burn a hole in a property owner’s pocket. While safety measures cannot prevent natural calamities, they are able to lessen the damage that can occur to the property. These safety measures may lead to some expenses and it can be time-consuming at the same time. However, you are able to save time and money when you protect your home against water damage and its effects.

We know how hard it is to be hit with water damage. This is why we have decided to share the top money and time-saving tips that can be done in order to protect your home against water damage. As the saying goes, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Find out more about these tips in the article below.

A. Check the Plumbing and Drainage

Since the plumbing and drainage system is considered to be the most likely cause for water damage, it is important to check them regularly for any leaks. Regular monitoring of the plumbing and drainage is essential to prevent any further damage to the property. A small leak can turn into a big one. This is why the homeowner must prevent this from happening at the onset of the issue.

When checking for any leaks on the plumbing, you can look for rust on the wall and floors. Moreover, you can check for any soil erosion as this is largely indicative of a busted pipe or drainage. On top of that, to prevent a bursting pipe, it is important to keep them warm. This is most true during the winter time. This is because frozen pipes are highly likely to burst.

It is also important to check the drainages and prevent clogging since it can cause flooding. The clogged drainage can also cause more water retention on the surface and it can even cause the water to come inside the home. You should also check where the drained water is leading to, as it can be leading directly to your home.

B. Check the Landscaping of the Surroundings

Now, you may think that checking your outdoors is a waste of time. However, it is extremely essential to have a look at your yard to prevent any damage caused by fallen trees or clogged leaves on the gutter. There are days when the wind is rather strong and this can cause unsteady trees to fall.

If this happens, the trees can cause damage to pipes and the plumbing if in case they hit them. Make sure that the trees are planted firmly in order to ensure that the trees would not easily fall when there are storms and hurricane.

On the other hand, it is also important to check for the structural integrity of the surroundings. This is to make sure that everything is stable and in place. It is also essential that the owner checks for any electrical hazards present. With the presence of electrical hazards, there is a higher chance that further damage can occur to the property.

C. Monitor your Water Bill from Time to Time

Most of us would think that our water bill rises due to the increase in consumption. However, the water bill is likely to increase significantly if there is a water leak in the property. When your water bill has increased significantly and you know that your consumption did not change a lot, you should check for any water leaks present around the house.

An unidentified surge in your water bill may be caused by a lingering water leak in the property. The continuous flow of water will lead to an increase in your utility bill, which is why monitoring your water bill can help you in saving up more money in the long run. It is important to keep a tracker of your water bill expenses to know the trend of how much you should normally be charged.

D. Be Careful about what you put down the Sink

This tip would not cost you anything. All you need is your senses in order to determine the type of residues that should not go down your sink. You should never pour down oil or grease down the sink. Since grease will stick to the pipes, the grease can pile up and block the entire plumbing system. Since the grease would not go down the drain, this can cause more damage.

Apart from grease, there are also other substances that should not be poured down the sink like cooking oil, butter, margarine, and shortening. Dairy products and thick sauces should also not be poured down the sink as there is a high likelihood that they can also cause clogging. Any solid and non-soluble items should also not be disposed of by means of the sink. Your sink should be used for liquids that are soluble in order to prevent clogging, which can lead to a broken pipe. In turn, a broken pipe will lead to water damage.

E. Check Appliances that are Prone to Water Damage

a. Water Heater

Generally, water heaters have a lifespan of ten years. However, there are times when they are prone to leaks due to high water pressure or internal rusts. The leak would usually be found near the supply lines, which can lead to damages like corrosion or damage to property. In addition to this, improper sizing can also be a reason for water heater damage. This is why it is important to conduct constant testing of the water damage to check if there are leaks present.

b. Dishwasher

Dishwashers can be inspected by checking on the water lines. Most dishwashers would have two water lines, which are the one from the kitchen sink. The other water line is meant for the drainage of the water.

Routine inspection of dishwashers should be done at least twice a year. This is to ensure the prevention of water damage. When possible, it is also important to prevent using the dishwasher when you would be away for a long period since it can burst without any warning.

c. Refrigerator

Refrigerators are built to last, but wear and tear can cause weakness in the fridge. This is why it is important to check for any leaks, especially when the refrigerator has been in use for some time. In order to prevent water damage rooting from your refrigerator, it is important to check the ice maker since it is prone to leakage and condensation.

On top of that, it is important to check and water buildup on the water line. It is also possible for the homeowner to upgrade the water supply line from a plastic one to one that is made of braided steel for added durability. This can also help minimize the chances of leakage since the supply line is made from durable materials.

d. Washing Machine and Dryer

When it comes to water damage caused by appliances, washing machines are usually the number one culprit. This is because washing machines can cause damage in a number of ways. Water damage can be caused by leaks coming from different sources. Moreover, there is also the issue of possible drainage issues. In order to prevent water damage caused by washing machines, it is important to never overload the washing machine beyond the capacity mentioned by the manual.

It is also important to replace the intake hose every five years. This is done in order to prevent any damage caused by an intake hose that has been weathered down by time. When there is a sign of water damage to the washing machine, it is important to know how to shut off the intake valve to avoid further damage. This intake valve is usually located behind the washing machine. It should be inspected immediately when you first get the machine.

F. Protect your Home before any Extreme Weather Conditions happens

We do not have control over storms or hurricanes other extreme weather conditions. This is why we need to prepare our home the most for these types of instances. We need to seal the windows and doors to prevent the penetration of water inside the home. This will help prevent further damage to the property. In addition to this, it can limit the chances that your home can experience water damage.

It is also vital to seal off any holes in the roof. This is to prevent the ceiling from being soaked in rain. In addition to this, it is also wise to steer clear of any trees that have a tendency to be blown away by the gush of strong winds.  If your home is protected before any fortuitous event, the chance s of water damage can be minimized. Moreover, the effects of these conditions can also be minimal.

G. Install a Water Detection Sensor

Smart home sensors can be considered expensive. However, they can save you more money in the long run. Jason Fitzpatrick tells a story of how a water detection sensor saved him money in the long run. “Recently we had a small leak develop in an old pipe down in our basement. Fortunately, the leak was slow and it happened to be in an area we frequently went, but according to the plumber who repaired it, the leak would have gone from dripping to spraying very soon (on account of the degree of internal corrosion in the joint).

If that had happened while we were home a traditional and inexpensive water sensor and the alarm would have alerted us. If it would have happened when we were gone for the weekend (or longer) on vacation, the basement would have flooded and no amount of shrieking alarm would arouse anyone in an empty house. Enter the smart home sensor. It functions exactly like a traditional water alarm but it is connected to your home network and can issue you an alert no matter where you are in the world.” (https://www.howtogeek.com/227980/how-to-protect-your-home-from-water-damage-with-smart-home-sensors/)

H. Have the Contact Number of a Reliable Water Damage Company

We do not wish that water damage will happen to your home. However, we want you to be prepared for any incidents that may happen.  This is why we recommend that you always have the contact number of a reliable water damage company. When looking for a water damage restoration company it is important that they offer services that are available round the clock. This is because “A great water damage restoration service company will be available when they are needed. This should be true regardless if it is in the middle of the night or when the sun is up.

When it comes to water damage, we all know that time is of the essence. This is due to the fact that if the issue is quickly dealt with, the easier it is for the property to get back to its original state. The professionals should also arrive on time to ensure that fixing the issue will be dealt with promptly. When it comes to water damage, an immediate reaction can result in quicker action. As soon as you see a sign of water damage in the area, it is important to select the right water damage restoration quickly. This can help save your life, your home, and the health of the people in the property.”

For more information on how to pick the right water damage company, you can read this article: How to Choose the Right Water Damage Restoration Company

Conclusion

There are several things that you can do to prevent water damage from severely damaging your property. However, when there is water damage to your property, it is important to not DIY the water damage restoration process. If you are looking for a reliable water damage company in the Miami area, you do not have to look further than Water Damage Miami.

We offer 24/7 services and we use the most modern equipment to deal with water damage issues promptly. Our trained and licensed professionals will arrive on time to save your home from the destruction caused by water damage. You can save Water Damage Miami’s hotline and contact them at (786)549-4735 when the need arises.