How to Prevent Water Damage

What to Look for When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

December 01, 2022

Water damage is not an issue any homeowner should take lightly. Every year, many American homes are plagued with this incident. This is why water damage claim is one of the top issues insurance companies contend with. Come to think of it, water is a crucial part of our everyday lives but when it is out of control, it can cause considerable damage to your home and belongings. For this reason, you need to do all that you can to protect your home from losses arising from water leaks or damage. Fortunately, this resource provides tips to keep your home safe from water damage.

Know Your Water Mains

Though your home plumbing may have different kinds of water shut-off valves installed at different locations, the most important of all is the water mains because it controls the inflow of water.
Knowing where the main shut-off valve is located helps you quickly and completely turn off the water supply during a plumbing emergency. Many times, stopping the water supply on time can prevent a water leak or problem from turning into extensive in-home water damage. For safety, it's good to turn off your water mains when leaving your home for a long time.

Install Water Detection Devices

Install water leak detectors in locations where water should not be present. You can install these devices near dishwashers, sump pumps, washing machines, and water heaters to quickly get notified of water leaks. As small electronic devices, water detectors have sensors that sense slow leaks, low moisture levels, and excess humidity and promptly sound an alarm or emit a blinking LED light. They can serve as a useful tool to avoid water problems.

Disconnect Hoses

If you have a washing machine or any other appliance that features water hoses, ensure the pipes are in good condition all year round. Manufacturers, for example, recommend water machine hoses should be replaced every five years.

Also, elevate your washing hose to drain off water sitting in it. If not, standing water may freeze in the pipe, obstruct water flow, and ultimately lead to a pipe burst. It is good to drain your hose and shut off the hose valve after every laundry to prevent this kind of water problem.

Take Care of Trees and Vegetation

Usually, the installation of the utility pipes is underground. So remove trees and shrubs that are becoming too big to prevent them from destroying the pipes. This is important because tree roots can burst pipes when they wrap around them. Also, avoid planting plants and trees with invasive root systems near your plumbing pipes.
Besides, try to slope your yard. Making sure your landscape flows water away from your house rather than to it will help you prevent water damage to your home foundation and water intrusion.

Finally
The above water prevention tips have exposed you to better ways of keeping your property safe from water damage. If you live in a flood hazard area, you may need to contact a local water damage restoration and prevention company for practical and actionable steps to keep you and your loved ones safe.

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