07 Dec Great Tips On How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home
Water damage can cause serious problems for your wallet and house, whether it’s a burst pipe, a flood basement or an overflowing toilet. It might not be a top priority on your home maintenance list, but you will thank yourself later for prioritizing preventative measures to stop water leakage. You don’t want water damage to become a problem.
Water damage is one the most expensive and common insurance claims homeowners will have to make. One in fifty homeowners will file a claim for water damage insurance. The average amount of these claims is just under $11,000.
Insurance will usually cover water leaks. However, coverage could be denied if there is neglect or lack of maintenance. This blog will help you prevent water from leaking. It’s easy to do, and you won’t have to spend thousands cleaning it up.
Here are some ways to prevent water damage in your home
- Learn the most common causes of water leaking
- HVAC Condensation Line Clogged
- Showers, toilets and sinks that are not working properly
- Pipes that are leaking or broken
- Water heaters that fail
- Supply hoses for washing machines that are not working
- Water leaks are easily detected
- Water bill increases
- Stains on walls and ceilings
- Warped or damaged flooring
- Peeling paint
- Plumbing fittings that are damaged
- Make sure your gutters are clear of any debris
- Sump pump maintenance is important for basement homes.
- Keep your pipes from freezing
- Find the location of the water valve shutoff
Common Water Leak Causes
Most home water leaks don’t occur due to natural disasters such as flooding or hurricanes, contrary to popular belief. Although natural disasters can cause serious water damage, you are more likely to have a home water leakage from an event that is far less severe.
It is important to ensure that pipes, appliances, and any other trouble spots are working properly in order to prevent water from leaking in your home.
HVAC Condensation Line Clogged
Regular maintenance is important for your heating and cooling system to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and prevent water damage.
The moisture that is absorbed from your home goes into a drip pan, which drains through a condenser line. The condensation line can become clogged and overflow into the drip tray, allowing water to leak into your home.
Malfunctioning sinks, toilets, and showers
According to the Environmental Protecting Agency a leaky faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons per year. This is equivalent to 180 showers.
Old or worn-out fittings could be causing leakage in your toilet, sink, and shower. A simple, inexpensive solution to a costly and complex problem can be found by replacing a worn-out fitting.
Pipes that are leaking or broken
It is easy to see a busted pipe because water can often leak through walls or onto the floor. It’s better to find a leaky pipe early than it becomes too costly. It is important to check your pipes regularly for leaks.
Failure of water heaters
You don’t just need to maintain your piping; water heaters that are failing can also cause water damage. Around 75% of water heaters die within 12 years. Consider having a professional inspect your water heater if it is older.
Washing Machine Supply Hoses
Water leaks can also be caused by water supply hoses from washing machines. Averagely, washing machine supply lines fail after 8.7 years. Consider replacing the hose if your washing machine is old.
Water leaks can be caused by anything that uses water. Water filtration systems, water heaters, water supply lines, fish tanks pumps, ice machines and dishwashers are all examples of water leakage. Any appliance that uses water is susceptible to a water leak.
Look out for signs of a water leak
Water leaks can happen even if you take the necessary precautions. It is important to spot signs of a leak quickly so that you can minimize the severity of the damage. These are some warning signs to help you spot a leak before it is too late.
Your water bill will increase
You could have a water leak if you notice an increase on your water bill but can’t explain why. One way to check is to have your water meter checked before and after two hours of no water use. There’s a good chance that your water meter is changing.
Stains on floors, walls, and ceilings
Water leaks could cause discoloration or stains on your ceilings, floors, and walls. However, stains are not always indicative of a water leak. Water travels so a stain may appear in one place, but the leak could be in another. A plumber or restoration specialist may be able to help.
Floors that are damaged or warped
It doesn’t matter if it is a water leak or a busted pipe or a little moisture; warped or damaged flooring can be a sign that there is something wrong. To determine if the moisture content is high, you should consider using a moisture tester before you remove the flooring.
Peeling paint
Water damage can also lead to paint peeling from your ceilings or walls. If you are looking for a home to buy, be aware of peeling paint, warped or damaged flooring, and wall stains. These are signs that a house is suffering from water problems.
Corroded Plumbing Fittings
Inspect fittings such as sinks, toilets and tubs at least once per year. Even if water isn’t leaking, a little preventative maintenance can save you big on repairs.
Remember that mold can develop if water damage is not treated or detected quickly. Mold can lead to serious health issues so it is important to get it under control as soon as you can.
Keep your Gutters Free of All Debris
Although it is not the most exciting home improvement project, clearing your gutters of debris every few months is worth the effort. Gutters keep water out of your home. Rainwater can only go where it is directed, and that’s if gutters are blocked by leaves or bird’s nests.
Water can get trapped and cause rot to the gutters. This could lead to moisture entering the home. Your foundation can be weakened if water pools near its base.
Sump pump maintenance
Water damage will affect approximately 98% of basement homes. Sump pumps are designed to remove water from basements and prevent flooding. If your sump pump is not working, it won’t be of any use.
You should test your sump pump at minimum once per year. Also, consider buying a battery backup sump pumps to ensure your basement is protected in the event of a power outage.
Protect your pipes from freezing
Frozen pipes are responsible for nearly 20% of all plumbing supply problems. You should not turn off your heat completely if you are going away during winter months. Keep your pipes from freezing to prevent them from burst during your absence.
Near uninsulated walls, outside doors, and garages are the most vulnerable places for pipes to freeze. Foam covers can be used to cover exposed pipes and add insulation where possible.
Find out where the water shut-off valve is located
You should immediately shut off water supply to your home if you find a leak or burst pipe. This will reduce the damage that a water leak can cause. Knowing where your water shutoff valve is before an emergency can help you save time and money.