Five Ways To Prevent Water Damage In Your Home

Even though water seems like a relatively harmless substance, it can actually do a significant amount of damage to your home. Moisture that is trapped inside your home can lead to problems like mold and mildew, rust, and corrosion. Wood that is exposed to water over a long period of time will eventually rot. The buildup of water can also ruin flooring, drywall, and other porous building materials. All of these problems usually require costly repairs.

The best way to avoid issues like these is by preventing water damage from occurring in the first place. If something does happen like this then you need to call a water damage restoration service in Vancouver. Here are five simple steps that you can take to start protecting your home today:

1. Keep an eye on your water bill.

Leaks often occur behind walls or in other places where they are hard to see. Even though these leaks may occur in hidden places, there is one simple method that you can use to identify them: watching your monthly water bill. If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill, it could be because water is leaking somewhere in your home.

One easy way to test whether or not you have a hidden leak is to track your water usage on your water meter. Set aside a time when you don't need to use the water in your home for a period of at least an hour. Shut off all of the faucets in your house, making sure that no water is running anywhere. Go outside to your water meter and write down the reading on the meter. For the next hour, avoid using any water in your home.

After the hour is up, go back out and check the meter again. If the reading has gone up, it is a good indication that you have a leak somewhere in your home's plumbing system. Usually, it is best to hire a plumber to repair leaks in hard-to-reach or hidden places.

2. Regularly clean your gutters.

If your gutters get clogged with leaves, dirt, or debris, it can keep water from draining correctly. Instead of running down the downspout, the water backs up in the gutter until it overflows, running down your siding and splashing against your foundation. Sadly, this can eventually result in leaks, with water winding up in your basement or trapped behind your siding.  It's important to note that water damage restoration requires prompt attention to prevent long-term structural issues and costly repairs. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning your gutters and ensuring proper drainage, can significantly reduce the risk of water-related damage to your home.

Keeping your gutters and downspouts clean and free from debris is the best way to avoid this problem. You may even want to invest in protective guards for your gutters to keep leaves from accumulating in them in the first place.

3. Turn off your water if you are leaving for an extended period of time.

If you are going to be away for more than a couple of days, consider turning off the water to your home. There should be a shutoff valve located at the point where the main water supply enters your home.

This simple step can wind up saving you a ton of money on repairs. If a leak occurs while you are away, it can cause a significant amount of damage before it is discovered. Instead of risking coming home to a flooded house, it is a lot better to simply shut off the water to protect your property.

4. Regularly inspect your roof.

At least once a year, take a close look at your roof, looking for signs of damage. Problems like loose shingles or obvious cracks should be addressed right away. If your roof is nearing the end of its life, you may even want to consider installing a new one. Roof leaks are often difficult to detect. That means that a lot of damage can occur before they are discovered unless you are proactively looking for them.

5. Watch for condensation.

Keep an eye out for condensation on your windows or in out-of-the-way areas like your attic or basement. Condensation often indicates that the humidity levels in your home are too high. Left unchecked, this can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home. Using an air conditioner or a dehumidifier can help solve humidity-related moisture problems, minimizing the risk of damage as a result.

These are five simple ways to prevent water damage in your home. Taking a few simple preventive steps can go a long way toward keeping your home in great shape.