What are the Best Tips to Prevent Water Damage?
Water damage can be devastating and expensive. There are many things you can do to prevent water damage in your home or business. Here are some tips on how to prevent water damage. There’s nothing more frustrating and costly than water damage. It can happen to anyone, whether you’re a homeowner or a renter.
Water Damage Cleanup in Morgantown
Even if you’re diligent about your water usage, it’s not always possible to avoid a leak or other type of water damage. But there are some things you can do to prevent small issues from becoming big ones. Here are some tips to help you prevent water damage:
Know How to Shut Off Your Water
Know where your home’s main water shutoff valve is located. This can save time in case of an emergency and prevent flooding from spreading throughout your home. If you have an older house, it may be behind the toilet or underneath the sink in a cupboard or cabinet. It might also be outside near where the pipes enter the house if you live in an older neighborhood with cast-iron pipes that were installed before 1960s standards required them to be buried underground instead of running above ground near foundations where they can freeze during cold weather.
If you have newer PVC pipes that were installed after this standard went into effect, then look for one near where they enter into your home; these are typically located under sinks as well. Also make sure everyone living in your household knows how to turn off this valve!
Have Your Roof Checked
You should also have your roof inspected regularly. Leaky roofs can lead to a lot of water damage, and it’s best to catch problems before they start. Your roof should be checked at least once a year by a professional in order to ensure that it’s in good shape.
If you don’t want to hire someone for this job, then at the very least make sure that you’re clearing out your gutters on a regular basis—they’re another common source of water leakages and accumulated debris can lead them right into your home or business!
Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Maintain a clean gutter and downspout system to prevent water from getting into your home. Leaves, branches, and other debris should be cleared out regularly. Have a professional inspect your gutters at least once a year to make sure they’re draining properly and that there aren’t any clogs or leaks in them. Make sure water draining from the roof is directed away from the house so it doesn’t drip onto window sills or other places where it can cause damage over time.
Keep Your Foundation in Good Shape
Keeping your foundation in good shape is essential to preventing water damage. Foundation cracks are a major indication of water damage, and they can be just as dangerous as an exposed pipe or leaky roof. Cracks allow rain and snow melt to seep into the foundation, where it can cause mold growth and structural damage. Repair cracks in your foundation as soon as possible.
Install a Sump Pump in Your Basement
If you want to avoid water damage and the financial implications of a flooded basement, it’s important to invest in a sump pump. A sump pump is an investment that works with your plumbing system to move excess water away from your home and into the sewer. As long as it’s working correctly and maintained properly, this device can prevent major issues like mold growth on walls or floors in your basement due to excessive moisture.
If you do experience flooding in your basement because of a burst pipe or other unexpected event, having this device can save you thousands of dollars in cleanup costs and repairs. You may have heard horror stories about people who’ve suffered extensive damage after their basements were flooded without proper drainage systems installed—and these are typically homeowners who didn’t install pumps beforehand!
Don’t Let Water Pool Around the Foundation
You should also make sure that your foundation is properly drained. Water that pools around the foundation can eventually cause mold and rot, which will make you sick (if not worse). Buy a sump pump if necessary, and have it checked regularly to ensure that it’s working properly.
Make sure your gutters are clear as well. If they’re clogged with leaves and other debris, water won’t flow freely into them when it rains. That can lead to flooding inside your house or basement—not good!
If you have water damage, the sooner you call us at 304-513-4540 for water damage cleanup in Morgantown, the better. The longer you wait to address water damage, the harder it becomes to restore your home to its pre-damage condition and the more expensive it becomes. Our specialists see this first hand, dealing with too many homeowners whose shortsightedness has compromised their property and possessions.