A flood or a storm is an unstoppable force of nature. Not so with many other sources of water damage. While you can’t avoid a natural disaster, you may be able to prevent water leaks that can lead to extensive damage. Here are five ways to keep the water where it belongs and away from where it doesn’t.

Have your roof inspected yearly

Don’t panic. You probably won’t need roof repairs every year. Yet, without a roof inspection, you might not know when you do need repairs. A yearly roof inspection is the best way to ensure that you discover missing shingles, damaged flashing, and other roof problems and correct them before they can cause water damage.

Clean your gutters

When rain comes, it has to go somewhere. As it slides off your roof, your gutters are designed to direct it away from your home’s roof, foundation, and walls. If not, the water can get into places you don’t want it to be. You need to keep the gutters cleaned out, so the water can run away freely.

Keep your sump pump in good repair

A sump pump can help prevent water damage in a basement, but only if it’s working properly. If your sump pump has an alarm to warn you when it loses power, change the battery regularly. Have a plumber check your sump pump once a year. Repair or replace it promptly if your plumber suggests it.

Watch your water bill

Your water bill can be a vital clue about the health of your plumbing. Keep track of the amount of water you’re using every month. If your water usage spikes suddenly, you may have a leaky pipe, a leaky toilet, or a dripping faucet you need to have repaired. Pay closest attention to the gallons used column on your water bill.

Replace old appliance connections

Washers and dishwashers can often go years without any maintenance. It’s easy to just set them up and forget about them. But, as the water connections age, they can rust or crack, causing slow leaks and the potential for major gushers. Change the hoses about every three to five years to prevent water leaks.

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