Water damage to your property can cause numerous problems. Priceless items, expensive electronics, flooring and even the structure of your home can be damaged by water. It is important to know that when you need water damage restoration to your home or business, you can always call Aladdin’s.
To prevent having to hire a local cleaning and restoration company, you can take preventative measures. Below are 9 ways to minimize or avoid water damage to your home in Lapeer.
As fall approaches, be sure to disconnect your garden hoses from your outdoor faucets. As temperatures drop in Michigan, you could have standing water in the hose that can freeze into the pipe. This will create an ice block that will interrupt water flow and can burst the pipe, causing significant damage.
When a pipe bursts, you can expect heavy damage to your walls, floors, and even your foundation. Disconnecting outdoor hoses is one of the most forgotten home maintenance chores, at the same time, it can be one of the most destructive mistakes you can make.
Many Davison homeowners take pride in the trees and shrubbery outside their home. In fact, trees and plants can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal. Curb appeal is very important when you want to sell your home. However, trees and other plants can wreak havoc if not properly maintained.
Roots can grow around pipes and break them. Minimize the amount of landscaping you do around utility pipes. If necessary, get trees and bushes removed if they are growing too close to pipes or sewer lines. There are several fine companies in the area that can help with tree removal. Contact them to protect your home from water damage.
Your gutters & downspouts should be cleaned at least twice a year. This will prevent blockages and ice dams. Standing water can cause damage to your gutters and roof and unmanaged overflow may create puddles that could damage your foundation.
Don’t forget to clean any downspouts to ensure water can flow through and secure your downspouts so that they point away from the home. There are plenty of companies out there that can clean and maintain your gutters. Gutter guards are also a good idea.
Your water main shutoff valve is the most important plumbing feature in your home, according to experts. That’s because your water main supplies water to the entire house. Water enters your home through the water main and is then distributed to other pipes.
If you experience a plumbing emergency inside your home, knowing where your water main shutoff is located will make it easier to turn off the water right away, and hopefully minimize any damage.
We also recommend shutting off your water main if you leave your home for an extended period of time. If no water goes into the house, chances are no faucet drips can wreak havoc on your home!
If you find evidence of a leak anywhere in your home, investigate it right away. If you opt to ignore moisture damage or postpone making necessary repairs, be prepared to experience mold, mildew, dry rot, or even structural damage to your home. If you experience mold buildup, then you can always call Aladdin’s for mold remediation.
Keep in mind that homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for damage that is sudden and accidental. Damage that results from lack of maintenance is not covered on a standard homeowners insurance policy.
Appliances are the most common cause of in-home water damage. Check and maintain your appliances regularly for leaks according to manufacturer’s directions.
Washing machines and refrigerator hoses, however, are especially vulnerable to the effects of aging. They become brittle and can leak. Because of the locations of the hoses and the typical positioning of the appliances against walls, you might not notice a leak until it is too late. A hose typically has a life expectancy of about five years. Replace yours regularly to avoid a mighty mess and expensive damage.
A water detector is a small electronic device that sounds an alarm when its sensor is in contact with moisture. Its main benefit is that it detects low moisture levels or slow leaks that often go unnoticed. Install it near water heaters, sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers and toilets to prevent extensive damage and mold growth.
Newer models even have Bluetooth capabilities and mobile phone apps that can alert you when you are away from your home. They can be found at hardware stores or even on Amazon.
If the water pressure to your home is set too high, pipes and hoses may fail under the pressure. Buy a water pressure gauge at a local hardware store, attach it to an outside faucet, and turn the faucet to full force. The gauge will give you a reading of the home’s water pressure.
Typical residential water systems are designed for water pressure of 40 – 70 psi. If your home’s water pressure exceeds 100 psi, install a pressure regulator (which is available at hardware stores as well).
Sometimes, the only way you know that water is leaking is taking a closer look at your water bill. If your usage jumps significantly from one month to the next without explanation, put your “water detective’s hat” on. Is there a leak in your crawlspace? Or is it a pipe in your front yard? Don’t leave mystery leaks unattended!
If you experience water damage to your home and need restoration, then call Aladdin’s today.