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Water Damage Prevention Tips for Your Home
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Water damage produces some of the most expensive and common homeowners insurance claims. United States homeowners shell out up to $20 billion annually for water damage repairs and restoration, with nearly 14,000 people experiencing water damage problems daily. With these types of numbers, you can see why practicing water damage prevention is essential.
Do you need repairs or renovations due to water damage? Contact the Steam Smart Pro team to learn more about water damage restoration in Tucson, AZ, by contacting the Steam Smart Pro team.
What Causes Water Damage?
Many homeowners won’t realize they have a leak until they find a puddle, see a water stain on their ceiling or roof, or discover a flooded basement or crawlspace. Knowing where to look for the source of your leak helps you determine the best route for repairs. The most common culprits behind water damage include:
Appliances
Home appliances can use a lot of water, especially water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. Common issues with water-reliant appliances include:
- Cracked hoses
- Failing seals
- Blocked drains
Plumbing Lines
Water lines bring in water from the main line and distribute it throughout your home. If these lines begin failing, slow leaks develop and grow over time. Sometimes the leak occurs because of a weakening seal around junction points, while in other cases, the pipes themselves crack and need replacement.
Clogged Drains
Drains from toilets, bathtubs, and kitchen sinks often become clogged. Homeowners usually turn to drain cleaner, assuming it must safely pass through their pipes. However, overusing drain cleaners can weaken your lines and corrode the interior of the pipes.
Before turning to drain cleaners, you should always try unclogging your drains with plungers, snakes, or augers.
Signs of Water Damage
You may not always know what to look for when you suspect a leak. Common signs of water damage include:
- Cracking, flaking, or bubbling in your drywall or paint
- Puddles or pooling water
- Increased water bills
- Damp, moldy smells
- The sound of running water when all faucets and appliances are off
Additionally, water creates the perfect environment for rot and mold, which can attract insects and damage your home further. Stopping water damage before it starts helps you avoid stress and costly repairs.
Tips for Water Damage Prevention
The best way to avoid expensive problems is by following these water damage prevention tips.
Investigate Leaks When They Occur
When you first notice a leak, you may feel tempted to wait as long as possible before working on repairs. Many homeowners put off minor leaks, believing they have plenty of time before a real problem occurs. Unfortunately, ignoring or neglecting a small leak can lead to other issues.
Minor leaks often indicate a problem throughout your whole plumbing system. For example, your water pressure may outstrip what your pipes can handle, or your lines may have started failing. Any time you discover a small leak, you should inspect the problem, repair the leak, and have a professional take a look to ensure the safety of the rest of your plumbing.
Check Your Water Bill and Water Pressure Gauge
A rising water bill indicates a problem with your water usage. Look at your water pressure gauge if you haven’t increased your water use. Then, turn off all faucets and appliances and check the meter.
If your water continues to run even without any appliances or faucets on, you have a leak somewhere in your line. The problem may lie in your home or under the ground, so start by checking interior pipes, then call a professional for pipes embedded in your yard.
Maintain Trees, Shrubbery, and Other Plants
Landscaping projects often include planting saplings, budding shrubs, and other plant life around your yard. Over the years, these plants grow larger, reaching deep into the ground with their roots. Placing certain plants too close to your water lines may allow roots to invade your pipes, wreaking havoc on your plumbing.
Clean and Care for Your Drains
Drains and drain pipes can clog up with hair, bits of food, grease, and other unsavory things. Keeping them cleared of buildup helps prevent clogs further down the line. If pipes clog up too much, they may require professional cleaning, repairs, or replacements.
Know How to Shut Off Your Water Main
Your water main valve supplies your home with water from city lines or your on-site well; knowing how to turn it off is important in cases of unstoppable leaks, overflows, or backups. City lines typically have the main valve near the street, while a well or other on-site water supply may have its own valves.
When you shut off your main valve, you stop the flow of water to your home’s water lines. This stoppage can help if you have a leak, but it also works well as a preventive measure if you plan to leave your home for a while. Nothing makes a vacation return worse than discovering a leak has ruined your home.
Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean
Gutters and downspouts collect rainwater and deposit it far from your home’s foundation. If these necessary waterways develop clogs, you increase the likelihood of water damage from your roof or into your foundation. Every season, clear your gutters and downspouts of leaves, sticks, and other debris to keep them functioning.
Schedule Professional Plumbing Inspections
Homeowners may not recognize the signs of a slow leak or downplay the severity of a clogged drain. Having your home’s plumbing inspected every two years provides peace of mind. Your plumber can also catch minor plumbing problems before they grow, saving you money in the long run.
Professional Water Damage Restoration in Tucson, AZ
Practicing these water damage prevention steps works well for homeowners who haven’t dealt with it, but if you’ve recently suffered water damage, you need immediate repairs. Call our Steam Smart Pro at (520) 416-4308 for professional water damage restoration services in Tucson, AZ.
Do you need guidance on dealing with your insurance company? Read our tips on claiming water damage insurance.
Author Bio:
Eric Bullard
The owner of Steam Smart Pro in Tucson, AZ, brings over 20 years of invaluable experience in the field of carpet, tile, and air duct cleaning. With a strong dedication to quality and a deep understanding of effective cleaning techniques, Eric consistently delivers outstanding results to his satisfied residential and commercial clients.
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