06 Dec 9 Vital Ways to Help Protect Your Home from Water Damage
While water damage is one of most common causes of property loss, it’s not always a season-specific threat. It is important to prepare your house for winter, but homes left unattended can cause severe damage.
These are the steps you can take to protect your home from water damage throughout the year.
You need to know where the stopcock is. You must ensure that you, your family members and friends know the exact location. The damage caused by a serious leak or rupture can be done in a matter of minutes. It is essential to understand where and how to shut off water supply.
Always check for leaks. While minor leaks may go unnoticed, they can do serious damage if they are not fixed quickly. One tap leak can result in the loss of up to 57% (260 litres) water per week. For signs of stray water, check under sinks or around appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
Check your sump pump works. The sump pump is a common part of basements. It helps prevent basement flooding from prolonged rains. It’s important to maintain it properly and have it serviced at least once a year.
Keep your gutters clean While leaves are the most frequent cause of blocked gutters (especially in autumn), don’t think this is an isolated problem. Blockage is often caused by weeds and moss. Dampness is often caused by blocked gutters. If water is leaking down your side or if the gutter looks sagging, it’s likely they are blocked.
Inspect your roof. Look inside your attic to see if there are any signs that water is leaking from the roof. You should look for any damp spots on the joists and tea-colored stains in plaster. You can also inspect the roof from the outside for any visible damage. Also, make sure that the flashing surrounding chimneys is in good condition.
Keep pipes from freezing A smart thermostat will ensure that your home is at least 10 degrees Celsius, even when you’re not there. Warm water must circulate freely through pipes in order to prevent freezing damage. If you are going to be away from your property for a prolonged period of time, turn off the water supply at stopcock. Then drain the system.
Pipes that are exposed should be properly insulated. Snap-on pipe insulation can be applied outdoors and is cost-effective.
Install water leak detection devices. The detection devices, which are relatively affordable, shut off your water supply in the case of a leaking pipe. They also protect your home from damage if it isn’t being used for long periods.
Check for areas that are moist or mould. Flaking wallpaper and wallpaper are signs of damp. You might consider insulation to add warmth to your walls if they feel cold or emit a musty scent.
In the morning, also check your windows and skylights for condensation. It can signify higher than average moisture levels within your home.