Like most people, you probably don’t think about water damage until it’s too late.
By then, it’s often too late to do anything but panic and try to salvage what you can. But what if we told you there were ways to prevent water damage first?
Believe it or not, you can do plenty of things to help keep your home safe from leaks and other sources of water damage. This blog post will discuss some of the best ways to prevent water damage in your home.
So read on for tips and tricks that could save you a lot of heartache down the road!
The Causes of Water Damage in Homes
A home’s water damage can be caused by a variety of things.
A leaky roof can lead to flooding in the basement; a clogged toilet can cause a flood in the master bathroom; faulty plumbing pipes can burst and cause water to run everywhere. There are countless ways that water can get into your home and cause damage.
Knowing the most common causes can help you prevent most issues before they happen. Here are some common causes of home water damage:
Blocked Drains:
Blocked drains can be extremely stressful for homeowners.
They can cause water to back up into your toilet or sink, causing flooding and water damage. Additionally, water that backs up into your toilet or sink can cause foul smells and bacteria throughout your home.
Luckily, there are steps that you can take to prevent blocked drains from happening. First, you should keep the drains in your home clear of debris.
This will help prevent hair from getting tangled up in the drain and blocking it. Second, you should keep your hair and products away from your drains.
Hair can get stuck and clog drains. Finally, you should run hot water through your drains frequently.
This will help prevent hair from getting stuck and clogging them.
Burst Water Mains:
Burst water mains happen when water from a burst pipe is forced into the underground pipe network.
This can cause pressure to build up in the pipes, leading to leaks or bursts elsewhere in the system. Burst water mains can cause significant property damage and disrupt services.
That’s why burst water mains need to be fixed quickly.
Damaged or Broken Pipes:
Water travels from a burst main through pipes to fixtures such as taps and toilets.
The pressure in the pipes can build up over a short period. This pressure can cause the existing pipe to crack or break elsewhere.
This can cause the water to leak out or start spraying outwards. Damaged or broken pipes are dangerous because burst water mains can flood buildings and cause water damage to electrical and electronic equipment.
How to Identify a Leak Before it Becomes a Problem
Water leak detection sensors are the best way to identify a leak before it becomes a problem.
These sensors detect leaks in pipes and other appliances that use water. For large leaks, sensors can detect the leak’s location, making it easier to locate the problem and repair it.
For small leaks, sensors can be used to find the leak’s source, making it easier to fix the leak. Water leak detection sensors are easy to install and are compatible with most appliances that use water.
If you don’t have the luxury of being able to use or fit a water leak detection sensor, there are other ways that you can detect a leak before it turns into a problem:
- Listen for the Sound of Running Water: If you can hear the faucet running even when no water is coming out of the tap, you probably leak somewhere in the house.
- Check for Wet Spots on the Ceiling: If you spot wet spots on the ceiling, there is likely a leak somewhere in the roof above that area of the house.
- Check the Water Pipes: If you can see cracks in the water pipes, there is a good chance of a crack somewhere deeper in the system. Fixing cracks immediately can help prevent larger problems in the future.
- Check the Drains for Blockages: Blockages in sinks, bathtubs, showers and other drains commonly cause water leaks. Try cleaning the drain with a plunger to remove any blockages, and then call a plumber if the problem persists.
Water Damage Prevention Tips for Your Home
If water damage isn’t properly treated, it can cause a lot of damage to your home.
Water damage can cause rot in wood, mould, mildew growth, and other serious health problems. To prevent water damage in your home, it’s important to know how to catch water before it starts leaking properly.
The first step is to know where the leaks are coming from. If there’s a leaky pipe or leaky faucet, it’s important to fix it right away.
After that, it’s important to know which areas in your home are most likely to experience leaks. For example, a leaky window or roof can cause a lot of water damage in a short period.
Finally, it’s important to know where the water in your pipes is coming from. Is it leaking from another area of your home?
If so, it’s important to know where the water is leaking from so you can stop it before it becomes a problem.
What to Do If Water Damage Does Occur?
Water damage is a serious problem, especially in your home or business.
If your home or business was recently affected by water damage, you might wonder how you will restore it. Fortunately, there are a whole number of solutions available.
These services are essential for restoring your home or business after water damage. By working with a professional water damage restoration service, you can quickly restore your property after a flood or other water damage event.
The Importance of Having Insurance to Cover Water Damage Expenses
Water damage can be devastating to a home and its contents.
If you’re unlucky enough to have water damage at your home, it’s important to have insurance coverage. Water damage can be expensive to repair and result in dangerous mould growth if not dealt with promptly and effectively.
Furthermore, water damage can compromise the structural integrity of your home. For these reasons, it’s important to have insurance that covers water damage expenses.
Making a Claim with Your Insurance Company: How to Do It
Most insurance companies have a tool that allows you to file a claim online.
However, some insurance companies require you to file your claim over the phone. If this is the case with your insurance company, you should call the number on the back of your insurance card.
It’s best to have a copy of the accident report and other documentation, such as receipts and correspondence, on hand when you file your claim. You should still call the insurance company if you don’t have these documents.
They can help you figure out what information you need and provide assistance if you need it.
Conclusion
Water damage is often expensive and disastrous. Some simple prevention tips can help minimise the risk of water damage in your home.
If water damage does occur, make sure to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claim process.
Insurance coverage for water damage can help alleviate some of this event’s stress and financial burden.
Contact us today with questions about water damage or your homeowner’s policy. We are here to help!
