Top water damage prevention tips

Imagine returning after a relaxing vacation or a weekend to find your home partially flooded. You may find water in your finished basement, your living room ceiling collapsed, or water running down your stairs.

Unfortunately, this is a reality for many homeowners, and water damage is one of the top causes of home insurance claims. You’re much more likely to experience water damage than fire damage or burglary. Water damage is one of the most common and costly issues homeowners face.

To prevent such disasters, it’s better to stay ahead of the curve and take precautionary steps. This post will outline a few guidelines and tips to keep clear of water damage. We’ll tell you briefly about several preventative measures. These include designing your home to be flood-resistant, winterization techniques, and several devices you can use to draw water away from your home.

So let’s go right into the depths of water damage prevention.

Plan your home to be flood resistant

This is the most significant step in your plan to prevent water damage to your home. The time you spend on research can save you countless hours and expenses down the road.

Here’s how you can design your home to be flood-resistant:

• Avoid building your house in flood-prone areas, such as low-lying land or somewhere with large bodies of water.
• Make sure your home is built on a solid foundation that can withstand heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
• Use water-resistance materials during the construction process. These may include water-resistant drywall and porcelain tiles.
• Consider installing backflow valves and check valves into the plumbing system.
• Make sure that you make a proper checklist for the construction phase. This way, you are less likely to miss crucial steps.

Using tech to prevent water damage

You can use smart home systems and the Internet of things to monitor leaks. They will work even if you are asleep or away on vacation.

A few guidelines to help you make flood-resistant plans for your house:

Use water sensors

• They are connected to your smart home system
• You place them in strategic locations, such as near water heaters, washing machines, and sinks.
• When they detect a leak, they can send alerts to your phone.

They allow you to stay on top of leaks in critical areas of your house. They allow you to take early action before a leak causes severe and long-lasting damage.

Automatic shut-off valves:

The sensors go off, and you get a notification on your phone. However, you’re not home, so what action can you take? This is where the automatic shut-off valves come into play.

• These nifty little valves can automatically stop the water flow when a leak is detected.
• They can be installed on individual appliances or on the main water supply.
• They can help prevent extensive damage by stopping the flow of water long before it causes any damage.

Making the pipes winter proof

Winter may be a season of warm cocoa and snowmen, but if you’re not careful, it can take a heavy toll on your home’s pipes. However, you can make your pipes winter resistant and enjoy a nice relaxing winter.

Here’s how:

• Insulate the pipes. Wrap them with insulation sleeves, which are available at most home improvement stores.
• Drain any outdoor faucets and home bibs. Shut off their water supply, and allow any remaining water to drain out.
• Consider installing drain valves on your water supply lines. They will allow you to easily drain the pipes and prevent them from freezing.

In addition, keep your home properly warm during the winter. You can find and seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s foundation, walls, or attic. These steps ensure that your indoor pipes don’t freeze.

Performing regular checks and maintenance

It’s better to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to the maintenance of your home’s water systems. This adage holds true for most possessions in your life, whether it be your home, car, or electrical appliances.

A thorough routine inspection of your home’s piping may consist of the following:

• Checking for leaks
• Inspecting and cleaning gutters and downspouts
• Inspecting the roof for any damage
• Checking your home’s exterior for cracks and other potential sources of water damage

Additionally, make sure to schedule regular checks for appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. These checks will help you identify potential issues early on and prevent them from blowing up.

Sump Pumps and Dehumidifiers

Sump pumps and dehumidifiers are devices that help keep excess water at bay. They work on a larger scale compared to most smart home devices. Here are a few relevant points on these invaluable tools:

Sump Pumps

• They are typically activated by a float switch. The switch is triggered when the water level in the sump pit reaches a certain level.
• They can be powered by your home’s mains or a battery backup system, which ensures reliable operation.
• They come with alarms that will alert you to problems, such as a malfunctioning pump or a clogged discharge line.
• You can install one when your home is being constructed, or you can retrofit one later.

Dehumidifiers

These electrical appliances remove excess moisture from the air, which prevents mold growth and water damage. High humidity levels can create a nurturing environment for mold, which can cause health problems and damage the home’s structure.

• They work by drawing in humid air and passing it through a cooling coil, which condenses the moisture.
• They can be used in various parts of the house, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.
• They can automatically maintain a desired humidity level.
• Some of them come with built-in hygrometers that can indicate when they need to be drained.

To ensure that they perform efficiently, make sure to carry out regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filter and emptying the water collection bucket.

We have discussed various water damage prevention techniques, such as using new technologies, building a flood-resistant home, winterizing water pipes, and the importance of sump pumps and dehumidifiers. These are just some of the many steps you can take to avoid water damage, and this list is by no means exhaustive. Remember that water damage prevention is an ongoing process. It’s important to be vigilant and stay ahead of the curve in order to contain the damage as much as possible.

If you suspect water damage, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent further damage and contact a professional for help.