Ways to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

If you notice any discoloration in your ceiling, ceiling tiles, or walls, it's a good idea to look on the roof – you likely see signs of water damage. Several different sources could create water damage, and plumbing leaks typically aren't hard to spot. "Running toilets" should be attended to right away. To determine if water damage has occurred and whether mold is present, it is best to call Leak Detection of Atlanta for water damage restoration as quickly as possible.

Inspect Your Roof

One of the most important steps to protect your home from water damage is to inspect and maintain your roof. If there are leaky shingles or damaged flashing, have them repaired right away. Call a professional roofer immediately if there’s a crack or hole in your roof.

Clear Your Gutters

Water that sits in gutters can cause damage over time as it erodes the metal structure beneath. To keep your gutters free of debris, clear them at least twice per year with a leaf blower or pressure washer. If leaves aren’t an issue, use a garden hose or a rake to clean out the gutters once per year instead.

Install and Maintain a Sump Pump

If you don’t already have one installed, install a sump pump as soon as possible. This device will automatically pump water out of your basement before it has a chance to cause damage. Make sure that any sump pumps you install are properly sized for your home, and check them regularly for leaks and water flow issues.

Maintain Your Drains

One of the most common ways water gets into your home is through drains. Over time, they can get clogged with hair and soap scum, creating an ideal mold growth environment. To prevent this from happening, clean the drain once every three months by pouring boiling water down it and running hot water down until all of the debris comes out.

Maintain Appliance

The next step in preventing water damage is maintaining your appliances. Do a quick check on your washing machine and dishwasher every time you use them to ensure there are no leaks or other problems that could cause damage over time. You should also ensure no leaks in the pipes leading to these appliances if you see water or moisture coming out of them.

Proper Outside Drainage

Ensure your outside drainage system is working properly, so rainwater does not pool around the house. If necessary, hire a professional to seal any concrete cracks and ensure all drains are working properly.

Cracks In Concrete

Check for cracks in concrete around the foundation of your house. Water pressure can cause these cracks to expand over time, so they need to be repaired before they cause more serious problems like foundation shifting or even structural failure.

Keep an Eye On Your Water Bill

If you notice a spike in your monthly water bill or if it stays unusually high for several months in a row, call a plumber immediately. Water leaks can cause serious damage to homes over time if they're not caught early enough.

Leak Detection Of Atlanta

Although there are several tips to protect your home from water damage, your first line of defense is ensuring that you keep Leak Detection of Atlanta on call. With the proper techniques and some basic knowledge on how water damages your home and who to contact when the water has damaged your home, you can save yourself the headache of water damage repair.