Water damage is no laughing matter. Repairs can be extensive and expensive, and it can end up destroying some of your most treasured possessions. If you live in an area that sees a lot of rain or flooding, or it’s simply more humid than most, you have to be extra careful of how you fight water in the home.
Have your plumbing looked at
In the average home, it’s the plumbing that causes most cases of flood damage. If you suspect a leak anywhere in the home, you need to find the source and the solution as fast as possible. Homeowners should also have their pipes inspected every two years if not annually.
Keep an eye on your boundaries
If you live in an area that sees a lot of rainfall or that floods, then you want to make sure your home is going to be able to keep most of the water out. If you feel the draft of an air leak, then you’re also looking at a plumbing risk. Find where it comes from, usually a door or window, and seal it. Similarly, your roof should be inspected at least once a year. Tiles can crack, break away, and go missing. They can also be at the end of their lifespan, which makes them porous. Either risk will be inviting water into the home through the roof.
Be ready for the worst
If your home floods or suffers serious water damage, you want to be prepared to react as soon as possible. Having a readily accessible storage facility ready to move your stuff is crucial. You should take inventory of your personal possessions, too, including photos, which can help you claim insurance in the event of water damage. Naturally, you want a digital copy of this inventory and a safe place to keep the originals.
Stop the spread
If you start spotting damp or mould somewhere in the home, you should act as quickly as possible to find the source and stop the spread. In most cases, light mould is caused by humidity and moisture in the home and can be fought by cleaning away the spread, improving ventilation and using a dehumidifier. You should thoroughly inspect any spot where mould appears, however, as it can be a sign of a leak or water seeping through the walls and roof from outside.
Take care of your gutters
Besides the roof and air leaks in the home, water can find its way in through the gaps by your guttering. Leaves, dirt, twigs, and debris can clog your gutter, especially if any trees are near your home. When water can’t flow through them normally, it looks for the next path of least resistance, which is often a crack or gap in your home.
Know your area
Depending on where you live, you might be vulnerable to a little more danger, still. If your area is prone to floods, rising water levels can cause it to come up through the drain pipes in the home. A backflow valve can stop that. If there’s a lot of groundwater, it can damage the foundation of your home, too. If you spot the signs of foundation damage, like cracks In interior walls, you might need a sump pump.
Protect the boundary in your home, keep an eye out for mould and leaks, and be ready for the worst-case scenario. You might not be able to stop every flood, but you can lessen the impact it might have on your life.
