Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibilities, and one of those is preventing water damage. Unfortunately, this type of loss is incredibly common and can be caused by a variety of things. Therefore, it’s important that homeowners take the time to understand some of the typical sources and things that can be done to stop them.
Fortunately, Disaster Recovery 24/7 Specialists can take the guesswork out of water damage prevention. Their restoration company has seen enough disasters to know the best practices for avoiding any type of water intrusion event. Keep reading this guide to learn more about a few things that homeowners can do to avoid needing their water restoration services in Long Island, NY.
Know How to Shut Off Water Supply
One of the most important things when dealing with a water intrusion is to know how to stop it before it gets worse. Therefore, it’s critical that all homeowners know how they can shut off the water supply to different appliances and fixtures in their homes.
Luckily, most homes have valves that are attached to water supply pipes. These devices are often referred to as stopcocks. When turned clockwise, they can stop the flow of water to the sink, toilet, or other leaking fixtures.
If the water leak is coming from the internal plumbing system of the house, homeowners should shut off the main water supply line. This valve can be found outside, in the garage, or near a water heater.
Routinely Check for Leaks
If homeowners want to avoid paying for water restoration services, they should also take the time to check their property for leaks. Even the smallest leaks can cause significant damage if they go undetected for days, weeks, or months. In fact, a leaking faucet can contribute to 57 gallons of water damage each week!
The best way to prevent significant loss is by making a habit of checking for leaking fixtures and appliances. Homeowners should also look for signs of water damage on walls, ceilings, and floors.
Test & Maintain Sump Pumps
It’s very common for homes with basements to have sump pumps installed. These devices play a critical role in preventing water damage in flood-prone homes. When activated by the flow of water, the sump pumps work to remove water from the lowest point of a home. This prevents the water level from rising any higher.
Unfortunately, sump pumps can malfunction. Therefore, it’s recommended that homeowners take the time to have their pumps maintained and serviced on an annual basis.
Clear Gutters of Debris
The purpose of installing gutters is to redirect the flow of water away from a home’s exterior. They can prevent water from running down the side of the house and accumulating near the foundation. However, they can also get clogged easily. It’s especially important that homeowners take the time to clear their gutters in the fall when leaves and other debris are falling more frequently.
Inspect Roofs for Signs of Damage
A leaking roof often requires water restoration services to repair. For that reason, homeowners need to make sure that they are regularly checking their roofs for any signs of leaking or damage. It’s all the more important to do so after a storm blows through as wind, hail, or tree limb damage could cause leaks.
Homeowners shouldn’t just inspect the exterior, though. If there is attic access, they should look for any signs of water damage on the walls, floors, or joists.
Install Water Leak Detectors
For a relatively small investment in a water leak detection system, homeowners can avoid costly water restoration services. These devices are designed to shut off water automatically when a leak is detected. They are especially useful in properties that are left vacant for weeks or months at a time.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Last but not least, homeowners need to make sure that any exposed pipes are properly insulated. Otherwise, they risk a pipe burst when temperatures drop below freezing. Luckily, this is a pretty easy and affordable fix. They can simply use snap-on pipe insulation for more protection in the colder months
Contact a Professional for Help with Water Restoration Services
Though there are several things that can be done to prevent water damage, sometimes it is completely unavoidable. In times like this, homeowners need to call a professional to mitigate their loss.
That’s where Disaster Recovery 24/7 Specialists can come in to help. Homeowners can call them any time of day or night for emergency water restoration services. They can also request a free quote for less urgent matters by submitting their information through the online form.
