Protecting your home from potential water damage can save you a lot of money in repair costs. Here are six tips to protect against water damage.
by Atomic Mommy Editors
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People fear pest infestation because of its significant effects on a home and its occupants. In addition to this menace, another issue homeowners should dread is water damage.
Water damage is feared by homeowners not just because of its potential to transform a home into a mini ocean, but because of the damages it leaves in its wake. And there are also the health hazards it comes with.
Protecting your home from potential water damage can save you a lot of money in repair costs. It can also shield your family from the health hazards that come with exposure to molds and mildews. Here are six tips to protect your family home from water damage.
1. Check hoses and faucets regularly.
Leaky hoses, taps, and pipelines can cause water damage to your home. It is essential that you conduct regular checks in and around the house, starting from those connected to your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Check them for any signs of leaks and cracks.
You should also consider replacing all hoses subsequently (after five to seven years) to reduce the possibility of leakage.
2. Check showers and tubs.
Another area to keep close tabs on is your showers and tubs. First, check the caulking around your showers and tubs to ensure they are watertight. If you see any crack in the caulk, fix it. Caulk is very affordable and can stop water from seeping into your floor which can possibly cause structural defects or fungal and bacterial growth.
3. Contact the professionals.
There are a certain issues in the home you shouldn’t ignore; water leakage is one of them. Unfortunately, some homeowners play down water leakages in the home, exacerbating the situation. While others, to save money, try to fix serious water leaks themselves.
Rather than make a situation worse, we advise contacting plumbing experts when you notice water leakages or water-related issues in your home. These professionals have the skills and tools required to tackle any water issue you may face in your home.
4. Know where and how to turn off your water main.
When an unexpected leakage occurs, what do you do? The first step will be to turn off your water main. But that would be impossible if you don’t know where to find it or how to turn it off. And as you probably know, timing matters when it comes to water leakage.
So if you aren’t sure where your water main is or how to turn it off, make it a priority to find out, as it’ll be your lifesaver when a pipe suddenly bursts.
5. Install floor pans.
Installing floor pans under your appliances is another way to protect your home from water damage. While these elements cannot protect you from significant water leaks, they are ideal for preventing damages from small and slow undetected leaks.
6. Consider buying point of leak water alarms.
Would you love to be informed about a water leak in your home? If you would love to, you should consider buying point of leak water alarms. Like smoke alarms, these alarms alert homeowners when water is detected in the home. You can place the sensors in your basement, laundry rooms, kitchen, and other water-prone areas in the home.
The Takeaway
Water damages can affect the structure of your home. It can also create an environment that risks yours and your family members’ health as well. The best way to prevent water damage is by taking proactive measures. Treat all minor water-related issues with seriousness. And ensure you conduct regular checks on water pipes and systems in the home.