Water damage is one of the worst messes a homeowner can be stuck with, it doesn’t matter how much water you have had it can cause damage to your home, your health and it is going to cost you money. The effects of water damage can be felt long after the water has been cleaned up, you can have mold in your carpets, the walls and even in your baseboards. Most is an extreme health hazard, but you can reduce the damage. Here are some water damage prevention tips to help you minimize the damage to your home.
Protecting Your Home
The single most common cause of water damage in your home is Mother Nature, hurricanes, storms and extreme winds can damage the structure of your home and let water to get in your home. Always check the exterior of the home for places that water can come it. You’re going to have to check the gutters, the roof and the foundation. If you find any issues get them fixed while the weather is cooperating.
Check the Plumbing
The next most common source of water damage is your own plumbing. You should at least once a year check the pipes, hoses, faucets and your sinks for cracks or leaks. Pay special attention to you appliances like your washer and dishwasher. Check those connections regularly, these few minutes can save you thousands of dollars in the future.
Inspect the Bathroom
Bathrooms always need to be checked regularly, most of the water in your home is used in the bathroom. Around the tub and the sink make sure to check the grout, calking and sealant. The will deteriorate over time and if you get water behind the tiles you’re going to have an expensive problem. Replacing sealants only takes a few minutes and costs very little and it will eliminate a huge problem in the future.
Make Sure Your Home is Well Ventilated
Most homes have ventilation in the kitchens and bathrooms, they help to keep the steam and humidity from building and causing problems. If you have fans in your home, make sure that you are actually using them on a regular basis. If you don’t have them then you should consider getting them installed. You can have an electrician or a HVAC installer put them in for a decent price.
Look at Your Kitchen and Bathroom Tiles
Your home has tiles throughout the house, they resist water and they are easy to keep clean. But if the tiles aren’t sealed or there is something wrong with the grout you are going to have trapped water. Check the areas around your dishwasher, washers, sinks, hot water tanks or any other area where you have water coming in. If there is any discoloration, lift the tiles and check them for damage.
