Six Mistakes That Leave Your Home At Risk For Water Damage
Water damage is a cumbersome, costly, and potentially dangerous issue to deal with in a home. However, it is also highly preventable in a large number of cases.
Unfortunately, homeowners occasionally make mistakes that leave their homes more likely to experience water damage. If you want to minimize water damage risks in your home, you need to avoid the following six mistakes.
Failing to periodically inspect your sump pump
Simply having a sump pump in your home is not enough to effectively deal with catastrophic flooding. You need to make sure your sump pump is working properly when you need it to prevent water damage resulting from flooding. You should consider testing your sump pump periodically by pouring water into the pit and making sure your sump pump is effectively discharging the water.
Neglecting to landscape to avoid pooling water
You need to landscape your yard so that your lot is graded to channel water away from your walls. You also need to landscape so that vegetation in your yard will prevent erosion of your soil. Eroded soil makes it difficult for the ground around your home to properly absorb moisture to prevent damage to your foundation and other home components.
Having downspouts that empty out too close to your home's perimeter
Downspouts should empty out several feet away from your home's perimeter. If downspouts are emptying out too close to your foundation, water will more easily be able to penetrate your home.
Waiting too long to have your roof replaced
One of the first things that happens to an aged roof that needs to be replaced is that it starts developing leaks. You need to have a roofer occasionally inspect your roof to look out for problems and repair them as necessary. Unfortunately, a leak in your roof might not be readily apparent to you until water damage has already occurred above your ceilings and behind your walls.
Letting your gutters become clogged
Clogged gutters can cause pooled water to accumulate on a roof. This water makes roof leaks more likely. Clogged gutters are especially problematic in the winter months because they can cause ice dams which create perfect environments for leak development.
Failing to scrutinize your water bills
It's important to pay attention to any unexplained increases in your home's water consumption. A mysteriously rising water bill is a good indication that there is a leak in your plumbing fixtures somewhere. Such a leak will eventually cause water damage if it goes unnoticed.
When you suffer water damage in your home, reach out to water damage restoration services in your area.