Having your own home is beneficial because it’s where you can feel safe and secure. Consequently, a house is also an investment because it’s one of the most expensive things most people can buy in their lifetime. As such, one must protect their home from various things that can damage it, such as water damage.
Water damage is caused by a broken pipe, flooding, or even overwatering a garden bed. If left to sit, this water can go under the foundation of your home, affecting its quality. As the saying goes, protection is better than a cure. For this reason, we’ve listed several tips to protect your home from water damage. These include:
#1 – Look for Signs of Leaks Regularly
First and foremost, you must check for potential leaks regularly. If you check them more often, you’ll be able to notice a leak before it has even done significant damage. This is necessary because the earlier it’s detected, the easier it is for you to stop the leak before it causes irreparable damage.
You should check your basement, roof, and toilets regularly. This is because these are the most susceptible to leaks. Check the basement since water can simply seep through the cracks in your foundation and leak into the basement. If you’ve noticed a damp, musty smell in your basement, or if you see water seeping through the foundation, there’s a high chance that the water is damaging your foundation walls.
#2 – Repair or Replace Damaged Plumbing Components
You must repair or replace the plumbing component if you’ve noticed a leak or damaged area. If you neglect the situation, you may end up with a larger, more costly problem in the future. If you have a broken faucet or a leaky pipe, don’t forget to fix it. You can easily fix it using a plumber’s putty or a wax ring. These tools will seal the area where the pipe is leaking. In the case of a leaky faucet, replace it.
Installing upgrades such as faucet aerators is also a good idea. These can help save water, meaning the leak won’t be as significant.
#3 – Remember to Test Valves
Another thing you need to remember is always to test your valves regularly. This is one of the simplest ways to ensure your home is safe from leaks. There are times when the water pressure can be too strong for a valve, so you need to open the valve manually.
You can still test the valve even if the water pressure is low. Run the water for a few minutes and check if it’s leaking. If it is, you need to replace the valve.
#4 – Check around the Bathroom
Your bathroom is one of the most susceptible areas to water damage. This is because there will be water spills, and the chance of a leak is high. You should regularly check the bathtub, sink, and shower pipe. If you notice any leaks, simply tighten the screws to fix leaks.
If all else fails, you can always contact a professional if the problem is past your expertise. Many professionals deal with plumbing issues and can fix the problem efficiently.
#5 – Be Mindful of What You Flush Down Your Toilet
Your toilet drain is one of the most delicate parts of your plumbing system. This is because it’s the one that will be most susceptible to clogs. For example, if you have children in the house, you should ensure they don’t flush soft toys or other objects because they can clog the drain. Wet wipes also shouldn’t be flushed down because, unlike toilet paper, they don’t break down when in water.
On a related note, the same also goes for your sink. You should avoid pouring things such as cooking oils or grease down your sink because these can clog up your drain.
Conclusion
Water damage can be scary, but there are things you can do to prevent it. The best way to avoid water damage is to check for leaks often. If you notice something unusual, fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. In the case of broken plumbing components, you should always fix them as soon as possible.
Restoration Solutions provides top-quality services for water damage repair in Fort Worth, TX. Our professional contractors will ensure your home will be safe from water damage, all for an affordable price. Simply go to our website to request a free estimate!
