Home Maintenance Tips That Reduce Your Risk of Costly Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common reasons for home repairs. This is why homeowners should engage in regular maintenance practices that enable them to identify issues early. Early treatment is the secret to minimizing the damage caused by water. You should also involve plumbing professionals if necessary to ensure the problem and its symptoms are resolved. In this guide, we will discuss five maintenance tips that reduce the chances of expensive water damage in your home.

Gutter and Downspouts

Gutters collect rainwater from your roof and direct it away from the walls, windows, and foundation. This prevents leaks, structural damage, and erosion, which can damage your home. Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year to remove debris, buildup, and leaves. You should also inspect gutters for misalignment, cracks, and loose sections. 

Downspouts should be extended 5 to 10 feet from the house for proper channeling. Alternatively, they should be connected to drainage systems to effectively eliminate water. Downspouts should be inspected frequently for leaks, clogs, and erosion at exit points to prevent basement flooding and foundation cracks. 

Inspect Plumbing Systems 

Plumbing systems are a leading cause of water leakage in the home. Inspect faucets, connections, and pipes regularly for signs of wear, corrosion, or leakage. Hoses and appliances, such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, should be examined for leaks, as they can burst due to wear and age. 

Your appliance hoses should be replaced every 5 years, as rubber degrades over time. Test the pipes for leaks by monitoring pressure drops when the water is shut off. Small issues should be addressed promptly, and larger issues should be handled by professional plumbers. 

Use Smart Leak Detectors

Leaks are dangerous because they can remain undetected and cause significant damage. Leak detectors identify possible leaks, allowing you to repair them before they cause significant water damage. Purchase Wi-Fi-enabled or battery-powered detectors and place them near washers, heaters, sinks, and sump pumps. 

These detectors sense moisture and send alerts to your phone. This prevents damage from occurring as you can minimise the impacts of leaks by addressing them early. This provides 24/7 monitoring, which catches leaks that traditional inspections miss. Models with auto-shutoff integration are your best bet, and they should be tested monthly using simulated leaks to ensure optimal performance. 

Clear Drains and Grates

Clearing your drains and grates every quarter prevents water from accumulating and flooding your home. Basement floor drains, sewer cleanouts, and exterior grates should be cleaned of hair, leaves, and grease. Use enzyme cleaners to resolve buildup in the drains every month. Install backwater valves in the flood-prone areas to minimise the chances of flooding. Blockages cause sewer overflows, which are more expensive to repair than routine clearing. If left uncleaned, heavy rains can cause water to back up and flood your house. 

Roof and Bath Seals

Sealing your roof and other areas prone to leakage prevents water damage caused by leaks. Excessive leakage can cause damage that requires the help of water damage mitigation services. Check the vents, roof flashing, and seals around the chimneys for signs of leakage or wear. Water leaking from these sources can seep underneath shingles, resulting in ceiling stains and attic rot. Reseal gaps with roofing cement where necessary. For bathrooms, recaulk tubs, tiles, and showers to prevent leaks from entering the walls and subfloor.

Endnotes

Checking your property regularly is important if you want to catch leakages early. Do not hesitate to call in a professional if you have a serious problem on your hands. Incorporate inspections into your monthly routines to make them feel more natural and less like a chore. Use checklists to ensure every vulnerable area of your house is checked and cleared during inspection.

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