Your 8-Step Action Plan to Preventing Water Damage

From mold to rot water damage can be a serious (and sometimes invisible) problem for any homeowner. I ran into a certain amount of it myself while renovating my Grandma’s house. Its vital to keep an eye on your roof, windows, etc. as they all can eventually age to the point of letting water into a home.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

Water damage is the second most common homeowner’s insurance claim across the U.S. Damage caused by storms, leaking pipes and appliances, and freezing conditions during winter generate millions of dollars worth of damage each year. Apart from just having the water damage coverage for your home, you can also take some steps to address potential threats. 

Inspect Your Roof Regularly

The majority of water damage risks in homes don’t involve heavy rains or storms. According to United Water Restoration, a company that offers services for water damage remediation, one key element makes all the difference – the condition of your roof. 

Have a professional roof inspector check your roof’s condition annually. That will help identify crumbling flashing, suspect shingles, and other elements that could cause leaks. Clean your gutters regularly too.

Ensure Your Plumbing is in Good Condition

Your home’s plumbing is one of the most valuable elements. If you see any leaks, corrosion, mold, or condensation coming from your plumbing systems anywhere in your home, to act immediately. Small leaks that are never fixed cause serious damage on floors. Repair or replace any malfunctioning plumbing systems. Look for sudden spikes in your water bill – it’s a clear sign of plumbing issues. 

Turn Off Your Sump Pump When Heading Out on Vacation

If you’re heading out on vacation, turn off your main water supply line to avoid finding any surprises when you’re back. Sump pumps can fail due to several reasons, and the last thing you want is that to happen when you’re away. Turning it off is a brilliant strategy. 

Inspect your sump pump and the outside pipes to ensure the water flow is occurring away from your home. A malfunctioning sump pump can be a hazard to your home’s structural strength. 

Check Your Water Heater Regularly

Most water heaters last around five years. After that, they’re more likely to burst. To ensure you’re is working effectively, flush it twice annually to get rid of sediment. After five years, hire an experienced plumber once a year to check the condition of the anode rod, which eventually deteriorates with time. A compromised water heater can cause unnoticeable water damage. 

Ensure Your Toilet is Working Well

Yout toilet may seem to work fine, but is your flush mechanism working right? Ask yourself that question every six months. You don’t want to deal with a backed-up toilet as it can cause a lot of havoc on your wooden floors and baseboards. 

Replace any parts that are not working right like the film valve or flapper. Check your supply line every six months to ensure that the water is flowing to where it’s supposed to. 

Inspect Your Sinks

Sinks are often ignored in home maintenance routines. When you have faulty plumbing lines in your sinks, the water damage caused can be upwards of $7,000. Thoroughly inspect your sink supply lines throughout the house to ensure there are no leaks. As a homeowner, you should know where your water supply shutoff line is – just in case of an emergency. 

Check Your Washing Machine’s Water Supply Lines

Your washing machine is an obvious risk, especially when you consider its regular use. Again, check those water supply lines regularly, at least twice a year. Is there any wear? Do you see any mold or dampness around the washing machine? Is the supply line properly secured? Professional installation of the plumbing is vital, but regular inspection is even more critical. 

Don’t Forget Your Ice Maker

The water supply line on your ice maker can also be a risk if it’s not installed properly. A supply line hose failure can result in inevitable water damage that will need extensive repairs. Inspect the line every six months.

Conclusion

Go ahead and follow this simple action plan to help prevent water damage in your home. Schedule the professional inspections or DIY checks in your calendar and adhere to them to avoid costly water damage repairs.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)