Preventing Water Damage
Did you know water damage is the second most common homeowners insurance claim? Nationwide, water damage is second only to wind and hail damage. Unfortunately, water damage is a year-round risk in most areas of the United States. For tips on how to prevent water damage, keep reading.
The first steps toward reducing water damage can be taken outside of your home. If you have a hose, be sure to disconnect your hose from the faucet between uses. If you forget to do so, standing water can freeze back into the pipe and create an ice block. This block can stop the water flow and even burst your pipes.
Another step to take to reduce the risk of water damage is cleaning your gutters and downspouts. Debris from trees can get stuck in your gutters and create a blockage. This blockage leads to standing water around your home. This water can create puddles that damage the foundation of your home.
Once you’ve disconnected your hoses and cleaned your gutters, take a step inside of your home. Familiarizing yourself with your water main can help you stay on top of your plumbing. The water main is where your water enters your home and distributes water to the rest of your house’s pipes. In addition to knowing where your water main is, you should also know where the shutoff is located. In the event of a plumbing emergency, you want to activate the shutoff to minimize damage.
Many of the appliances in our home use water. If you have a dishwasher, washing machine, or refrigerator, these appliances likely use water. Be sure to maintain these appliances. If you fail to do so, they can experience wear and leakage. Not only does this cause your water bill to go up, but these leaks can also cause water damage.
Keep an eye out for leaks at all times in your home. If you don’t visibly see any leakage, evidence of a leak can show up on your water bill. Stay on top of how much money you spend on your water bill per month so you can identify any unusual price increases that may be the sign of a leak.
Following these tips can help you protect your home from water damage. If you need assistance caring for your home’s plumbing system, get in touch with Ryan’s Plumbing. Call 941-256-5580 today for an estimate!
