Water Damage Prevention Tips

1. Water Damage Prevention Tips Nobody wants their home or business to suffer from water damage, but are you doing the necessary things to help prevent it? There are things that you can do to take care of your home, inside and out, that will help ward off unwanted water. At Rainbow International Restoration, we want to help in your emergency situations, but we also would love if you didn’t have to go through such situations as well. Water damage is frustrating, time- consuming, and seems to come at the worst times. Here are some water damage prevention tips that will help your home avoid water damage. Clean gutters and downspouts Throughout the different seasons of the year and the many weather changes, there can be a lot of build- up in your gutters without you realizing. Debris, leaves and dirt can make it very difficult for the water to know where to go or have anywhere to go. Make sure you periodically check your gutters and spouts and clean them out. In heavy seasons, rainstorms can quickly form puddles around your home, causing it to flood. Know your main line It is important to know where your main water line is and how to operate it in case you need to shut it off. This is especially useful if you are away from your home for an extended period of time. It will ensure that no leakage will happen while you’re away. Check appliances regularly Appliances such as washing machines, dish washers, water heaters, air conditioner and refrigerators should be checked regular for any leaking. Often times there are instructions from the manufacturer on how this process should be done. Check your roof periodically This isn’t something you need to do every month, but every year or so your roof should be inspected for any broken or missing shingles, and spots that could potentially lead to a water leak in the future. Try to catch these things before the leak can even occur. Disconnect hoses Standing water in pipes, especially in the winter months is not a good sign. The water can freeze and cause a block for any water to get through, or could even burst pipes. This can create big issues for the foundation of your home. Check your sump pump

2. If you have a sump pump, it should be checked about once a year. Mainly, this is to ensure that it is working as it should. Look for any leaks in pipes Pipes can become corroded and rust over time, which can create build-up for water trying to pass through. Check your pipes often to eliminate this corrosion and continually have clean pipes. Checking your pipes can also help you know if there is any leaking going on or not. While you are checking for leaks, look around for mold or mildew spots. These can predict underlying water damage. Repair caulking by windows & doors If there is any caulk that needs to be repaired by windows, doors or walls, that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Through these little cracks, water can seep in and become a scary monster to deal with later on. For all of your water damage needs, please don’t hesitate to call Rainbow International of West Hartford. We are ready and willing to assist you in your time of distress.