Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

This month’s blog post comes to us from our colleague Hannah Fotiou of Clean-Scene DKI in Castlegar, BC.

Home restorations are always a considerable expense, and that’s why they are postponed and delayed by the majority of homeowners until the last moment. Unfortunately, what they fail to comprehend is that this is usually what’s causing even bigger issues. With this in mind, there are a few things that you might want to take into account.  Here are a few tips and tricks that we have compiled about avoiding one of the most common causes for home restorations – water damage.

Check Outside

1.      Disconnect Hoses

Water left in a hose can freeze back into your pipes and can create an ice block. If you’re lucky this may be all that happens. In unfortunate circumstances, the ice may burst your pipes and create damage to the interior of your home and foundation.

2.      Get Up There And Check Your Gutters And Downspouts!

We recommended cleaning your gutters at least 2 times a year. By taking this measure you can avoid blockage and ice damns. Another issue that can come from clogged gutters is unmanaged overflow that can create puddles that could compromise your foundation.

Your downspout should be pointed AWAY from the home. This is a simple precaution that could help you avoid a senseless damage.

3.      Vegetation, Shrubs And Trees.. Oh My!

It’s important to try minimizing the amount of vegetation you have close to your utilities. Roots can grow and wrap around the pipes and cause a break. If possible, when the trees and shrubs around your home become too big, think about removing them.

Inside your home

4.      Where Is Your Water Main?

The last thing a homeowner wants to come home to from a relaxing holiday is a flooded house. If you are planning to go somewhere for an extended amount of time, shut off your main water line.   Another tip for when you go on holidays is to have someone come look after your home daily if possible.  Some insurance companies void coverage if the home is left unattended for too long.

5.      Check Your Appliances

This may seem over kill, but checking and maintaining your appliances according to the manufactures directions is imperative. Finding leaks sooner rather than later can prevent mold growth and further damage to the structure of your home.

6.      Found A Leak? Fix It Right Away!

Mold, mildew, dry rot, or even structural damage to your home is what you will experience to your home if you decide to put off repairing a leak. You may be led to think “So what? My insurance will just repair it”.  Keep in mind that homeowner’s insurance mostly covers direct damage that is sudden and accidental. Damage that results from lack of maintenance or negligence is often not covered on a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

7.      Those Old Washing Machine Hoses Have To Go!

Hoses that are old and brittle are one of the most common causes of water damage for a homeowner. Inspecting the hoses regularly and replacing them every 3-5 years will help you avoid a very costly and messy damage.

8.      Water Detection Devices. Often Forgotten.

Yes, this is a device that you can purchase to monitor moisture. An alarm will sound when any moisture comes in contact to it. This allows you to catch unnoticeable leaks. Install it near water heaters, sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers and toilets to prevent extensive damage and mold growth. You can purchase one easily at https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/search.html?q=water%20leak%20alarm#!q=water%20leak%20alarmat very little cost.

9.      Check Your Water Pressure.

Buy a pressure gaugeat your local hardware store and attach it to your outside facet. Then turn the facet on full force. This will then give you a reading on what your water pressure is currently at. Too high of a pressure could allow for your pipes to be compromised.

Typical residential water systems are designed for water pressure of 40 to 70 psi. If your home’s water pressure exceeds 100 psi, install a pressure regulator (which is available at hardware stores as well.)

10.  Review Your Water Bill

If your water consumption starts to rise for no explanation you may need to start investigating.  Check your crawl space or check anywhere you think a leak can happen. Don’t let a mystery leak destroy your home.

As one can see, prevention is always the best protection. Water damage restoration should be something accidental – something that you couldn’t have anticipated and accounted for.

And if water damage does occur, call DKI Canada immediately!