Tips to Protect a Home from Water Damage

Water damage is avoidable with some care and attention.

Water damage is an unwelcome issue that can ruin a home and its contents, making life difficult for homeowners. While common, it is certainly not unavoidable.

Here is how to protect a home from water damage:

Keep gutters and downspouts clear

Gutters and downspouts are the first line of defense against water damage from the outside. When these components clog up, water overflows and could damage the house's foundation, roof, or walls.

Clean the gutters twice a year (or more) after major storms. The downspouts should move water at least three feet from the foundation to keep it safe.

Inspect the roof

Water can easily infiltrate through a leaky roof, which means certain water damage. It could be missing shingles, cracks, or other issues that let water through the roof.

Check the roof, especially after heavy storms, to spot damage. If any problems are visible, hire a professional roofer to carry out the necessary repairs.

Seal windows and doors

Windows and doors can also let rainwater inside if they aren't sealed tight or if the sealing has worn out. As a result, mold can grow, or the whole structure could suffer damage.

Check all the seals around the windows and doors and caulk all gaps. Also, if there's any worn-out weather stripping, replace that, too.

Water main

Know the water main's location and how to shut it off. If a pipe bursts or there's another serious flooding risk, the water main is the difference between a dry house and severe water damage.

If residents are away for a long period, such as an extensive vacation, shutting off the water is an excellent practice to avoid unpleasant surprises upon return.

Install water detectors

It is not always possible to avoid every leak, even with standard precautions in place. Yet, even if a leak occurs, a leak detector can detect it in time. Water detectors alert homeowners about leaks before the situation turns into a disaster.

Put water detectors in areas most prone to leaks, like under sinks, near the water heater, by exposed pipes, the washing machine, or the dishwasher.

Maintain appliances

Washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and other home appliances are leak-prone, too. Check the appliances and replace hoses or other parts that seem worn out or incorrectly installed.

Sump pump

A working sump pump prevents floods in basements during heavy rain. Test the sump pump every year, especially before the seasons with the most rain. Pour some water into the sump pit and see if it activates; pump out water and turn it off.

No leaks, no worries!

Water damage is avoidable with some care and attention. However, if, for whatever reason, you still experience severe water damage or another plumbing-related problem, talk to a professional plumber as soon as possible.

Simba Plumbing offers residential and commercial plumbing services to Phoenix and surrounding areas. We are family-owned, meticulous and provide affordable, transparent pricing. Call us at 602-962-3537.