According to the Insurance Information Institute, 29.4% of home insurance claims were attributed to water damage and freezing in the past year. Some instances of water damage — like flooding — may not be covered by your insurance company. Fortunately, there are active steps that you can take to stop water from hurting the structure and function of your home. Keep reading to learn how to keep water damage at bay. Here are some things you can do to avoid water damage:
Install a Water Detector
Much like a smoke detector, a water detector is a device that can sense moisture in the area and can alert you to a potential leak. These are great tools to put in rooms where moisture could be an issue — like the basement, bathroom, kitchen, or near pipes. If you suspect there could be a leak, this is a great way to start your detective work.
Keep an Eye on the Water Bill
While this is more of a reactive measure, it can help you identify the beginnings of a water damage problem. If you’ve had a steady eye on the water bill cost and usage, you’ll likely notice any spikes, giving you clues to an early sign of leaking. If this happens, start by checking areas where moisture could collect — like in your basement or near an appliance that uses water. In conjunction with a water detector, this can help you identify any significant water issues.
Clean your Gutters
Clogged gutters can result in standing water that can damage the gutters and your roof. This damage often leads to leaks in your roof and prevents your gutters and downspouts from navigating water away from your home and foundation. Clear gutters are essential for maintaining the health of your home’s structure, and making this a priority will prevent you from dealing with a possible leak in your roof or gutters later on.
Keep the Trees Away from Your Plumbing
Trees and vegetation can be beautiful, but they can also negatively impact your plumbing if they are not well kept. Flower and tree roots can grow around your plumbing, while trees too high and close to your home can weigh on your gutter. We recommend clearing out these natural structures to prevent damage to your plumbing that can eventually contribute to leaks.
Monitor Your Home Appliances
If you have an appliance that uses water, it has the potential to leak if it is not maintained correctly. Your HVAC system, washing machine, and refrigerator are prime candidates for leaks. Areas where these appliances are located are great places to put a water detector to monitor the area for moisture and potential leaks. In fact, by using a water detector, you may be able to catch a possible leak before it even occurs.
Inspect Your Home for Leaks
It’s always good to know where your main sewer line and plumbing system are in your home. We recommend inspecting the space around these areas to see any leaks. If you hear any running water, notice a faint brown mark, or if your water detection device spots moisture, then you must fix these leaks quickly. Doing so will prevent water damage and more critical issues from emerging. Also, remember to inspect your roof, as this can be a costly source of leaks.
Water damage prevention is a good strategy, but if it hasn’t proved helpful, or you couldn’t catch leaks ahead of time, you may need some help with cleaning and restoration. For over 40 years, the Dreyer DKI team has helped customers effectively clear out areas of the home damaged by water, and we are ready to do the same for you. If you have experienced water damage, give us a call at 352-403-0350.
