Water damage to your home is a scary prospect that can cause thousands of dollars in repair costs. It can lead to mould growth, flooring failures, and damaged sheetrock. It is crucial that you take all signs of water damage seriously to prevent major issues with your home later on down the road. How can you prevent some of these issues from occurring?
If you want to be proactive in preventing water damage to your home, here are a few steps that you should follow:
Know Where Your Water Main Shutoff Is
Many homeowners are completely unaware of where their water main shutoff is located. This can be problematic if you have a flooding issue and need to minimize the damage to your home. When your dishwasher starts to overflow or your sink faucet just won’t turn off, you need to rush to your water main shutoff and turn off the water completely. This will prevent more water from flowing into your home and can cut back on the overall damages.
Change Hoses on Appliances
Did you know the hoses on your appliances may not be good for the lifetime of the appliance? The hoses connected to your refrigerator, washing machine, and other appliances are typically only good for about five years. After this point, they tend to become more brittle and can break easily. This can lead to an increase in water leaks and damage to your home. Always replace hoses regularly to keep them in good working order.
Prepare for Winter
Many people think of water damage coming from inside the home, but the outside is equally important. When the weather takes a turn for the worse, you need to make sure that the exterior of your home is prepared. Start by disconnecting all of the hoses from the faucets on the outside of your home; otherwise, they can cause ice to back up into your pipes, leading to broken lines.
You’ll also need to clean your gutters and downspouts to minimize damage to your roof. Without good water flow, you can experience ice dams and roof leaks. Make sure to direct water away from the foundation of your home as it leaves your downspouts.
Watch the Water Bill
Sometimes, it can be difficult to pinpoint a major water leak in your home. These hidden leaks can still cause massive water damage to your home – from floor to ceiling. One of the easiest ways to identify a potential water leak is to keep a close eye on your water bill. If it suddenly jumps from your normal amount, it is a sign that you need to investigate further.
Call the Professionals Right Away
If you notice your water bill skyrocketing or have standing water in your home, it’s time to give the professionals a call. Clean Line offers top-notch plumbing in Winnipeg so you can relax and know that water damage will be minimized. Give us a call today to help with all of your plumbing needs!
