Water damage is among the main reasons for property-related losses although it’s not necessarily a threat that’s only present during the season. While getting your home ready for winter is crucial home owners who leave their homes unattended during summer time can lead to the undiscovered leaks can cause a lot of destruction.
Follow these easy steps to ensure that your home is safe from Water Damage flooding all year.
1. Know which stopcock you are in
It is important to ensure that not only you are aware of where it is but also that your family members are aware too. A serious rupture or leak can be a matter of minutes before causing serious destruction. Understanding where and how to cut off water flow is vital.
A valve for turning on and off your home’s cold water system is called a stopcock or stop tap. The water supply will cut off when you turn the stopcock in a clockwise direction. The water supply can be restored by rotating the stopcock counterclockwise.
In your kitchen, stopcocks are often located on an inside wall beneath the sink unit. The stopcock in certain homes is located in the larder unit next to the sink unit, in the front or rear hall. Some properties, though—usually ones that have been converted to numerous occupations—don’t appear to have one! even though they really ought to.
Related: How to Maintain Your House in the Best Shape
2. Make proactive leak detection
Little leaks may go unnoticed easily, yet cause serious damage if they are left untreated for a long time. Take into consideration that a leaky faucet can cause the loss of up to Gallons (260 millilitres) of water per week. Examine the sinks, and around appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers for evidence of stray water.
3. Verify the functionality of your sump pump
In homes with basements The sump pump plays crucially in ensuring that your basement doesn’t get flooded after lengthy rainstorms. If you own one, make sure it’s maintained and inspected every year.
4. Keep your gutters free of any debris
Although leaves are the main cause of blocked gutters, don’t think this is only an issue in the autumn. Weeds and moss are frequently identified as a significant factor. The blocked gutters are a major contributor to damp. If you notice that water is flowing across the exterior of your home or if your gutter seems to be falling or sagging, it’s likely they’re blocked and must be cleaned.
In order to prevent obstruction and ice dams, clean your gutters at least twice a year. Unmanaged overflow can produce pools that could harm your foundation, and standing water can harm your roof and gutters. Remember to secure your downspouts so they point away from the house and to clean them so that water may flow through.
5. Inspect your roof’s condition, inside and out
Examine your attic for evidence of water leaks into the attic. Check for damp spots on the joists, or tea-coloured streaks on plaster. Outside, check the roof for evidence of damage visible, and check that the flashing on chimneys is in good order.
6. Prevent pipes from getting frozen
Utilize a thermostat that is smart to ensure a temperature of 10 degrees Celsius within your home, regardless of whether you are planning to be away. Warm water should be able to circulate throughout pipes to stop the development of freezing damages. If a home is likely to be empty for a long time, switch off water flow by the stopcock. You may also consider emptying the system to ensure that there is there is no water remaining in the pipes.
First things first, if you think you may have a frozen pipe, turn on the faucet. You probably have an ice blockage if water just drips or trickles out. Next, take a close look at the exposed pipe to look for any fractures or cracks. In the event that any pipes have burst, switch off the house’s main water supply and contact a plumber right away for help. If you try to thaw out a ruptured pipe, water will come out and flood your house.
7. Proper insulation is required for exposed pipes
The Snap-on Pipe Insulation is inexpensive and reliable, while also when used outdoors.
It’s a good idea to insulate exposed water supply pipes in your home for a number of reasons. Water supply pipes exposed to outside walls or unheated areas may freeze, rupture, and cause flooding in your home during cold winter months. When a single water pipe bursts, more than one northern family that had traveled south for the winter only to return to months of cleanup and restoration work. Any attempt to winterize the home’s plumbing must include insulating water pipes.
8. Install an water leak-detecting device
Generally inexpensive, these devices stop water supply in the case of a leak. This is crucial if you have your home unoccupied for prolonged durations.
Look into any indications of a leak as soon as you discover it in your house. Prepare for mold, mildew, dry rot, or even structural damage to your home if you choose to ignore moisture problems or put off making the required repairs.
9. Look for areas of dampness or mold
The appearance of wallpaper or paint flaking could be an indication of damp, and so can streaks of black and speckled spots on the skirting and sills. If your walls are cold on the inside, or you detect an unpleasant smell, you should think about adding more insulation. Also, look at skylights and windows for signs of condensation in the morning. The presence of condensation could suggest higher than normal levels of moisture in your home.
Conclusion
Your peaceful house can become a disaster scenario in a matter of minutes due to water damage. The consequences could be disastrous in terms of both money and emotion. However, you can reduce the risk and harm from floods and water leaks by taking the right precautions and acting quickly.
A well-protected house can be achieved by using technology, keeping up with external maintenance, understanding your home’s water system, conducting routine inspections, and protecting your house during the winter months. Regular maintenance keeps your appliances from leaking and prolongs their lifespan, saving you money on replacements.
In the sad event that water damage occurs, take immediate action and think about getting expert assistance. Your tension can be reduced by hiring a reputable and skilled restoration agency to minimize the damage and return your house to its pre-damage state.
Read More:
The Complete Guide To Water Damage Restoration In Bixby OK
Things To Do If Your House Is Damaged In Heavy Rain And Flooding
