Claims Related to Water Damage

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Caulking a Window

Claims relating to water damage incidents reached 19.5% in 2017. Don’t wait until a storm hits. You can take the proactive approach and protect your home before it’s too late. Here are five ways to help prevent water damage in your home or business. Delaying could leave you with costly damages.  Instead, prevent the worst before the water pours in.

1. The Plumbing

Understanding your indoor plumbing system will make it easier to maintain. To start with, let’s take a look at your hoses and faucets.  Check the hoses that lead to your dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator, and water heater once a year.  Make sure to immediately replace any hoses if they have a leak.  These hoses should be replaced every five to seven years. When water remains in a hose, it can freeze in the pipe.  In a worst-case scenario: your pipes bust, causing water damage to your floors, walls, and foundation.

Check the seal and caulking around your tubs and showers. If necessary, reseal them so these areas remain watertight.  Check the heating pipes and plumbing for any leaks or cracks as well.  Leaving on vacation?  Shut off the main water supply, tagging your main water shut off is a good way of ensuring you know where the main water shut-off valve is.  Should there be an emergency,  you’ll be able to locate it immediately.  

2. Prevent Water Seepage 

Let’s head down into the basement.  Check for any cracks in the building’s foundation or floor slab, resealing the basement may be a good option.  Water can seep thru these cracks.  It can be helpful to wait for a heavy rain before inspecting your basement to look for any water seepage.  If you find some water intrusion you may be able to seal these areas with a water sealant to prevent future water damage.  

3. Protect Your Possessions

Keeping an up-to-date home inventory is a great first step.  Take photos of  your possessions and make a note of where they are.  This comprehensive list can help you file a claim in the event of damage.  Having this list will also save you time and stress if you do lose possessions due to water damage.  If there are items throughout your home you only need for a season, store them away when you’re done.  Use waterproof bins, not cardboard boxes, to keep these items safe. Never store your valuables in damp areas to reduce the risk of mold.  Be sure to install shelving within your basement.  Should there be a sewer backup or house flood, keeping your valuables off the ground can help prevent water damage.

4. Repair Your Home’s Exterior

Attention to the outside of your house is important as well.  Caulk and seal your windows to prevent water seepage.  The roof is next.  Are there any missing or loose shingles?  Making  necessary repairs can cause a headache later.  Keeping your downspouts clear of debris can help prevent water building up.  You can also install gutter guards to prevent these clogs.  This keeps the water keeps flowing away from your home.  Finally, check the irrigation system and sprinklers making sure they point away from your home as much as possible. Drain outside faucets as needed to make sure your pipes don’t freeze.  .

5. Mold Prevention

Protecting your home from water damage can also help you prevent mold.

• Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers
• Keep the humidity level in your home between 30-60%
• Use exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen
• Maintain your roof to prevent water seepage
• Don’t install carpets in damp areas
• Remove standing water

Let’s keep all that water where it belong, outside.  With these tips for home water damage prevention, you can keep your family happy and safe..  Should you find that you find you have a water loss, give SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt County a call at 217-935-2992.  You will be happy to find that our friendly and caring staff is here to quickly get you and your family safely back to normal.