10 Ways to Prevent Water DamageRepairing water damage and paying for mold remediation can be expensive, and that’s not accounting for irreplaceable items that are lost due to water damage.  The best way to handle water damage in your home is to stop it before it happens.

Know Where Your Water Shutoffs Are Located

The most important part of owning a home is knowing where the emergency shutoffs are located.  Just like you should know where your circuit breaker is in the event of an emergency, you should be aware of every water shut off valve.  When a pipe breaks or a leak develops, being able to turn off the water is the quickest way to avoid major water damage.

Shut Off Valves While On Vacation

If you’re going away for more than a day, turn off the water in your home.  Set your water heater to vacation mode and shut off the water main.  This will prevent water damage in the event that something breaks while you’re absent.

Repair Leaks Immediately

Don’t delay on repairs to plumbing and pipes.  If you’ve found a leak, shut off the water to that section of the house and call for a plumber immediately.  A small leak will eventually become a big problem if the drip ever widens.  Leaking water can also begin to pool, damaging insulation, wallboard, or ceiling tiles.  Roof leaks are just as bad and should be repaired as soon as possible.

Repair Foundation Damage

Keeping your foundation in one piece is incredibly important.  A cracked foundation can lead to doors that don’t close right and pipes that begin to leak or crack.  Watch your yard when there’s a storm outside and take note of any places where water is pooling up against the side of your house.  That water will eventually find its way into the foundation, causing cracks and leaks that can damage flooring or lead to more serious problems.

Run Water to Clear Garbage Disposal

When you use the garbage disposal in your kitchen sink, be sure to run water through it after you use it to clear out and dislodge anything that may be blocking the drain.  Use warm water to help liquefy any grease you may have accidentally allowed to run into the drain.

Do Not Leave Running Water Unattended

Never leave an open faucet or spigot unattended.  If water is running, you need to be there to make sure that it doesn’t overflow and begin flooding a room.  Even leaving a hose on outside can cause water to pool alongside your home.

Maintain Your Washing Machine Hose

While this hose is usually out of sight and out of mind, it’s best not forgotten.  A large volume of water flows into your washing machine whenever you use it so it’s best to ensure that it’s in good working order.  Inspect it for leaks, wear, and damage regularly to make sure that you don’t end up with a flooded utility closet and dirty clothes.

Follow Appliance Maintenance Procedures

The same thing is true for any water-based appliance.  Water filters, dish washer, refrigerator ice machines and water dispensers all need regular maintenance to make sure they are running properly.  Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance as well.  Even the appliances that don’t need water can start to condense if they aren’t properly maintained, leading to puddles and drips.

Pre-Rinse Extremely Dirty Clothes

Dirt and mud can clog washing machine drains, leaving you with a soggy mess when you should have clean clothes.  If you’re faced with exceptionally dirty clothes, pre-rinse them first to remove the dirt before washing.

Hire an Established Contractor For Major Problems

Always consult a professional contractor for problems.  Hire a plumber to repair pipes, a roofer to fix the roof, and a mold remediation specialist to clean away mold and repair damage when water has found its way into your home!


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