8 Tips for Preventing Water Damage

1. 8 Tips for Preventing Water Damage You don’t have to be a water damage restoration professional to know how to prevent water leaks. Prevention requires a basic knowledge of your home’s appliances, the ability to take action quickly, and a healthy fear of water damage. Follow these quick and easy steps to be a pro at preventing water damage drips and leaks. Know your water main This is as simple as knowing where the main water line is located and knowing when to shut it off. For example, if you’ll be leaving on an extended vacation, it’s best to play it safe and turn off the water to avoid leaky faucets. Upgrade washing machine hoses Old, rusty, brittle, or weak washing machine hoses are among the most well- known culprits of water leaks and subsequent water damage. Unfortunately, most coils run behind the washer and dryer—where you can’t see them. Set a calendar event on your phone or keep a mental note to replace them when the expected time limit is up. Install water detection devices A water detector is a small device that lies flat on the floor or attaches to a wall to monitor water leaks. It doesn’t necessarily prevent leaks, it will just help you to respond quickly if a water leak does occur. This is especially important in areas such as bathrooms where there is a potential for water overflow. Keep an eye on your water bill There can only be so many explanations for a misbehaving water bill. Either water use in your home skyrocketed or there’s a leak that’s responsible for the damage. While checking these numbers, you’ll have to pay attention to your family’s trends and make judgments on whether or not a leaky faucet has gone unnoticed. Check your water pressure

2. Pipes don’t respond well to high water pressure. To check for this issue, you can buy an inexpensive water pressure reader at the local hardware store, attach it to an outside faucet, and turn it all the way on. The dial will give you a reading on the pressure in the faucet. Most residential water systems are designed for 40-70 psi. If you find the gauge reading over 100, purchasing a pressure regulator can help you keep water levels normal. Have smart landscaping Most landscaping companies understand the importance of keeping trees and shrubbery away from major pipelines, but ensuring your trees haven’t expanded out of their underground territory isn’t a bad idea. Keeping trees to a minimum near utility pipes or removing overgrown trees can prevent underground pipe bursts. If you have questions, contact a landscaper to get a professional opinion. Clean gutters and downspouts Gutters are engineered to release water directed away from the structural foundation of the home. When gutters are clogged by leaves, ice, of dirt, water isn’t able to flow through properly. With this obstruction, water finds another way out. Puddles near the home can cause rotting of your home’s foundation which can be tricky to repair. Disconnect hoses In cold weather, standing water may freeze and create a blockage within a pipe. In the best-case scenario, water is simply blocked from flowing. Although this may incite a panic attack for you, this can be reversed. However, if left untouched for several hours to several days, pipes will burst and water will continue to flow normally—into your home. Disconnecting water hoses or turning the faucet on to a slow drip in the winter is an easy way to avoid water damage problems. IF you find water damage repair in Laconia, call All Brite Cleaning and Restoration in Laconia. The hassle of cleanup isn’t for everyone and we can help you remediate and restore damaged structures as soon as possible.