How to Prevent Water Damage

Keeping Your Gutters Clean and More

Water damage is a major fear for homeowners. From burst pipes in the winter and leaky roofs during the spring rains, there are many more ways water finds its way into your home to cause damage. Flooded basements, mold growth, and damaged drywall are all symptoms of water getting into the home, and it almost always causes extensive damage that is expensive to repair. Fortunately, we’ve listed some practical steps you should consider to prevent water damage and keep your home dry and safe. 

1. Regular Inspections

The first step to preventing water damage is to regularly inspect your home's plumbing and appliances. We recommend checking in the spring and fall. Inspect for leaks, drips, or cracks in pipes and hoses leading to appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Even small leaks cause water damage over time, so it's important to fix any issues as soon as they're detected. Recently, I noticed my basement sink was not draining. I got a little panicked because the house is new, and I assumed something was wrong. After a quick inspection of the basement, I saw that the ejector pump was not plugged in. Simple fix. In addition to inspecting your appliances, you should also check your faucets and toilets for leaks. A dripping faucet or running toilet wastes a significant amount of water and causes water damage if left continuously running.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

The most common cause of water damage to the home is a clogged gutter system. When rain gutters and downspouts are full of leaves, sticks, and other debris, the water has nowhere to go and overflows around the home. The water seeps into your foundation, causing water damage and even flooding. To prevent this, make sure to clean your gutters and downspouts regularly, especially during the spring and fall when the most debris is falling. Even the smallest amount of debris will cause trouble, so ensure your gutters are managing the flow of rainwater away from the home with regular maintenance. 

3. Monitor Your Water Bill

This may seem silly, but monitoring your water bill is an easy way to detect water leaks in your home, so long as the water usage patterns are the same each year. If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill, it’s likely a sign of a leak somewhere in and around your home. To investigate, turn off all faucets and appliances that use water and check your water meter. If the meter continues to run, you likely have a leak that needs to be fixed. Some homeowners leave the spigot turned with a shutoff attachment at the end of the hose. While this is convenient for on-demand water, it’s one surefire way to get that same water in and around the home.  

4. Install Water Alarms

Water alarms are devices that can detect even small amounts of water and alert you to potential leaks or flooding. These alarms are especially useful for areas of your home that are prone to water damage, such as your basement or laundry room. Water alarms can be purchased at most home improvement stores and are relatively easy to install. I have one at home, and it definitely adds a little extra peace of mind. 

5. Maintain Your Roof

A leaky roof leads to significant water damage to your home, so it's important to have regular roof inspections and maintenance. If you don’t want to get on a ladder, a local gutter cleaner may be able to give you an idea on how the roof shingles are doing. If you are not comfortable on the roof, it’s way better to have a professional do it for you! Check for damaged or missing shingles and repair them as necessary. Also, check to see if the shingles are sticking in place and that the protective roof grit isn’t coming off.

6. Install a Sump Pump or Two

If you live in an area prone to flooding or have a basement, consider installing a sump pump to remove excess water. I have three sump pumps (two as backup). A sump pump is a device that pumps water out of your home and away from your foundation. Sump pumps can be costly to install, but they can prevent future water damage. Also, make sure the sump pump has a battery backup. If you lose power during a storm, pumps without backup will fail. 

7. Consider Waterproofing

Depending on the age and construction of your home, you may want to consider waterproofing your foundation, walls, or basement to prevent water from seeping in. There are a variety of waterproofing options available, including sealants, coatings, and drainage systems. A professional waterproofing contractor can help you determine the best solution for your home.

In conclusion, there are multiple steps a homeowner can take to avoid water damage. Regularly inspecting your home's plumbing and appliances, cleaning gutters and downspouts, monitoring your water bill, installing water alarms, maintaining your roof, installing a sump pump, and considering waterproofing are all effective ways to prevent water damage and keep your home safe and dry. By taking these steps, you can save yourself time, money, and headaches in the long run.

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