Repairing water damage is expensive. So, if you're looking for ways to prevent water damage in your home, Rotor-Rooter Plumbing in Columbia TN can help. Keep reading to discover the 12 best ways to avoid damage.
1. Locate Your Stopcock
A stopcock shuts off your home's water. Everyone in your family should know where to find it so they can quickly stop the flow of water in an emergency.
2. Check Your Washing Machines and Appliances
One of the best ways to prevent water damage in your home is to regularly check your appliances to eliminate leaks early.
Commonly overlooked places include:
- Under the tank of your water heater
- Inside your sink cabinets near the P-trap
- Your refrigerator's ice dispenser
3. Inspect Your Sump Pump
Sump pumps keep your basement dry and minimize flooding risks. Schedule annual maintenance to keep it working. To check the unit yourself, pour a gallon of water into its hole and confirm the pump activates.
4. Clear the Gutters
Between ice dams and debris, blocked gutters cause flooding in multiple ways. No matter the season, clean your gutters. If water runs down your house during rain, your gutters are blocked!
5. Maintain Your Structure
Leaks can cause damage to your home from places other than your roof. Your entire structure is vulnerable. Regularly check for:
- Loose shingles or water damage to your roof's interior
- Loose mortar in your foundation wall
- Flashings around your chimney
6. Avoid a Frozen Water Flow
When the temperature drops, freezing pipes might lead to burst pipes and can flood your home. Keep your interior temperature at least 50 degrees.
Mitigate frozen pipes by upgrading your plumbing system. Copper pipes are vulnerable to cold weather; a well-insulated PVC pipe is better than even the most solid copper pipes.
7. Install a Detection Device
Leak detectors are affordable devices that monitor moisture and temperature and can even shut off your water in an emergency.
8. Detect Moisture
Eliminate moisture early to prevent more severe damage from water leaks. Silent but steady leaks cause mold growth that can damage both your health and your home.
9. Shut Off the Water Supply
If you're leaving your home for more than a couple of days, shut off the water at your stopcock. It prevents an emergency you're not around to handle.
10. Scrutinize Your Water Bill
Over an extended period, slow leaks increase your water usage even when you're not actively using water. If you notice your energy bill skyrocketing, call a plumber to check for a leak.
11. Landscape
Poorly graded soil directs exterior water into your foundation, which pools in your basement. Plant shrubs around your exterior and ensure your yard adheres to building guidelines.
12. Monitor Your System
A water flow monitoring system or water pressure gauge can measure your pipe's pressure. A home's water pressure can burst a pipe. You can install a pressure regulator to reduce excessive pressure.
Call Rotor-Rooter to Help Prevent Damage
When you call Rotor-Rooter in Columbia TN, we can inspect your entire house and discuss ways to prevent water damage in your home. To schedule a consultation, call (931) 330-2060.
