Most Home Owners will unfortunately experience a water damage loss in their home once in their lifetime.
Let’s help prevent that from happening to you. Here are a few tips as we move into the winter months:
1. Know where your home’s stopcock (main waterline shutoff valve) is located. In the event of a severe water leak, turning off this valve as quickly as possible will help to minimize any damage. Everyone in the family should know where this valve is and how to turn it off.
2. Check your sump pump. Many homes with either basements or crawlspaces have sump pumps to prevent flooding. Ensure your pump turns on (check instructions for your specific model) and that nothing is clogging it. Routine maintenance at least once a year is a good idea.
3. Check for leaks around the house on a routine basis. Even a quick check underneath faucets, around the shower and toilet can help prevent major water damage. It only takes a few minutes, but can be the difference between a small water clean-up and a major water loss in your home. Try to check once a month, or even once a week if possible. For crawl spaces, if you’re able, check down here as well or schedule an appointment to have a professional do a full inspection for you. We inspect crawl spaces free of charge.
4. Inspect and clean your gutters as necessary. Although autumn is the biggest seasonal culprit of clogged gutters, checking your gutters a couple of times a year is a good idea. Clogged gutters don’t properly move rain hitting your roof and can run over the gutter’s side, eventually leaking into weak spots of your home’s perimeter causing major water damage.
5. Insulate any exposed pipes. This is probably the easiest maintenance for most people. Outdoor faucets can be covered by caps that can be purchased at nearly any hardware store and cost only a couple of dollars. If a large section of pipe is exposed, you may need to wrap it in insulation.
6. Check your roof for signs of damage. First check the outside. Even without a ladder, look for any visible signs of shingle damage and if you have a chimney, skylight, etc that the flashing (metal surrounding these features) is intact. Inside your attic, look for signs of moisture and dampness or areas of mold. If you don’t feel comfortable getting into your attic to inspect, we can also do a full attic inspection at no cost.
7. Inspect your home for signs of moisture or mold. Speckled spots on walls, peeling or flaking wallpaper or paint and condensation on windows can all be signs of elevated moisture in your home. If you notice mold or a musty smell in your home, you should have it professionally inspected to ensure it’s not a more severe issue.
The above is for general information and use only and is not intended to supplant professional advice or inspection.
