One of the worst things a homeowner can experience is water damage. Not only does this destroy appliances, but it can ruin a home’s foundation and cause the spread of dangerous mold. If not fixed immediately, water damage can cost you thousands. This article will explore what causes water damage and some ways you can prevent it.
What Causes Water Damage?
A handful of things can cause water damage. This includes:
Leaking pipes
Malfunctioning appliances
Water buildups in basements or crawl spaces
Dripping HVACs
Natural disasters
3 Ways to Prevent Water Damage
Monitor Your Home Appliances
One way to prevent water damage is to monitor your home appliances. Devices like washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets use numerous gallons of water each day. Sometimes small portions of water can escape through their caulking or pipes. By regularly monitoring your home appliances, you’ll be able to catch any issues before they become major problems.
If you suspect there might be a leak, you can try a water meter test. To do this, check your current water meter reading. Then, stop using water for one hour. Once this time has passed, check the meter again. If the number has risen, this is a sign that there’s a water leak somewhere.
Redirect Downspouts
Another way to prevent water damage is to redirect your gutter’s downspouts. While downspouts are designed to carry water away from your home, if it isn’t properly placed it will send puddles of water around your home’s foundation or near a window. This can cause water to seep through tiny cracks and spread.
You’ll want to make sure to install your downspout away from your home so that the water flows at least four-feet from it. You might also consider connecting it to an underground pipe or storm sewer system so the water is sent well away from your home.
Watch What You Put Down Drains
What you flush down your drains can play a big part in whether or not your home might face future water damage. For instance, thick substances, like oil and grease, can clog pipes. If these substances aren’t removed, they can end up overwhelming the pipes causing them to crack. Eventually, this could lead to major water damage that could spread throughout your home’s interior.
Water damage can be a huge headache for homeowners. Not only does it spread quickly, but it can be very expensive to fix. RCS in Santa Rosa, CA can help you with fixing any water damage your home might have as well as do periodic checks to make sure that there aren’t any hidden leaks.
