How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

 

Keeping your home watertight is a great way to protect against expensive repairs, and even more expensive insurance claims. Fortunately, it's easy to detect the signs of potential leaks, and simple fixes can be done to keep your home safe and dry.

A simple leak in your plumbing system can cause significant damage to your home. The best way to prevent it is to catch it early. Water can cause damage to your walls, ceilings, and floors, and a small leak can get worse over time. When you do spot a leak, immediately fix it. Not only will this reduce the risk of further damage, but it will also help you save on future repairs.

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A simple way to detect a water leak is to check your faucets and pipes. If you see a bubbling paint or a musty smell, it may be a sign of a leak. You can also look for a black damp mark on your walls. This is a symptom of moss growth. Moss can form on your walls, wallpaper, and painting, and is usually accompanied by a musty odor.

Another sign of water damage is a burst pipe. Even a tiny hole in a pipe can create considerable damage, and can result in a large water bill. Make sure your house is properly insulated to prevent this from happening.

It's important to have an emergency shutoff valve installed at the right location, whether it's in your garage or outside your home. You can also get a water detector to alert you of the smallest leaks. Most hoses should have a life expectancy of five years, but you should always check them for leaks.

While it's not the most important thing you can do, keeping your home weatherproof will lessen your risk of major water damage. Keeping your hoses free of ice will help prevent the formation of ice dams, which can lead to flooding. Also, installing a smart thermostat will prevent your home from freezing and losing water.

A comprehensive home inventory is a good start. You can avoid costly repair bills by tracking your valuables and figuring out what should be stored in waterproof bins. Having a water-safe home will also lower your utility bills, which can be a real money-saver.

Lastly, you should consider purchasing a water-resistant curtain or drapery. These are especially useful in areas where you have a lot of rainwater coming in. Keep a close eye on your refrigerator and washing machine hoses, too, as they can be the cheapest source of water damage.

Whether you choose to take the proactive approach or wait for an unexpected catastrophe to strike, it's always a good idea to prepare for the worst. Besides, a well-maintained house can be a great place to spend your time, so you should make it a priority to keep it in tip-top condition. In fact, you may want to put a little bit of money aside for the unexpected, so you can enjoy your home again sooner.