Preventing Water Damage in Your Home

5/27/2016 (Permalink)

When you think about residential water damage, you might dream up images of torrential rain or other natural catastrophes. However, the reality, unfortunately, is that damage which is caused when regular appliances in your home stop working properly, this can be just as destructive as a weather event which is severe. Water damage makes up for losses to renters and homeowners in the billions of dollars each year. It is responsible as well for around twenty-five percent of all insurance claims. Water is ten times more likely to damage your home than a fire.

There are fortunately steps you can make to help avoid water damage from appliances and keep your home protected. Understanding some of the common causes of water damage is helpful, and these can include leaking air condition condensation drains, baseboard heating, and failed washing machine hoses, water heaters, and plumbing.

There are not always warning signs offered by these household appliances until the damage has happened already. This is why it is important to check them regularly. The steps below are simple and can help protect your home from the causes of water damage which are most common.

-Know first where your main water supply is in case of an emergency
-If you’re going away for an extended amount of time, shut the water supply off and drain the pipes. If your house has a fire sprinkler system, however, do not turn the water off, and keep enough heat in the home to avoid any freezing up.
-Think about getting your air conditioning system regularly inspected by a professional. The drain lines should be checked annually and clean them out if they get clogged.
-Inspect showers, water heaters, toilets, tubs, dishwashers and sinks annually, and get them repaired if there are any signs of corrosion or leaks. Install water heaters when possible in areas with floor drains to lower damage if leaks do occur.
-Check the caulking around bathtubs, showers, toilet bases and sinks, and if needed make repairs.
-If there is an ice machine or water dispenser on your refrigerator, the hose between the refrigerator and wall should be constructed of braided copper, since this has a greater resistance to corrosion and cracking.
-Check your pipes for leaks and cracks. Have any damage to pipes, have them immediately fixed to avoid repairs in the future that are even more costly.
-Check plumbing fittings and appliance hoses for crimping, breakage or bending.

Sometimes, even after all your precaution, residential water damage can still occur. If this happens to you, call SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin today (916) 632-2250!