Tips to Prevent Water Damage

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

One of the great things about living in the modern world, is our access to usable water. In much of the 3rd world, having water for drinking, cleaning, and plumbing is not possible. With this wonderful access we have to be careful. If not monitored carefully, the damage can be catastrophic, and expensive. 

Here are some SERVPRO safety tips for preventing water damage.

Most water damage claims do not come from storms, floods, or heavy rain but rather from neglect in monitoring and replacing minor parts. An easy way to prevent damage is to replace and upgrade hosing, pipes, and other small parts that can easily break. 

Make sure all of your drains are working properly. If a sink or bath tub isn't draining properly, it could lead to future problems. Ways to keep your drains in good condition are:

• Avoid pouring grease down drains.
• Keep drains clear with a regular cleaning schedule.
• Always keep a strainer in place on sink and shower/tub drains.
• Frequently clean out the strainer and deposit the debris in the trash, not back down the drain or in the toilet.

Prevent Ice Dams from forming. In the cold North Dakota winter, an ice dam forms when warm air from the attic melts the snow on the roof which freezes in the cold air. If left unchecked, the ice can build up and push into cracks between the walls and roof. Leading to leaks which can cause water damage throughout your home. Prevention of this includes:

• Have your gutters and downspouts cleaned, inspected, and repaired during the fall to ensure clear passage of water. 
• Insulate your attic properly — heat in the home should not reach the attic. Warm air can melt the snow on the roof, which refreezes, forming ice dams. Make sure the attic floor is airtight by sealing any openings.
• Provide enough ventilation to the attic to keep the roof cool. Warm air should escape through vents near the top of the attic. Cold air should flow in through vents near the eaves. The temperature in the attic should be 5 to 10 °F warmer than the outside temperature.
• Remove the snow on your roof when it’s about six inches deep. Use a roof rake or a long-handled brush to remove the snow without a ladder.

The best way to prevent water damage is to maintain and upkeep the quality of your home. These small, affordable home projects can prevent large, expensive calls down the road.