Top 10 Ways to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

The best defense against water damage is prevention. Most water damage to a home is caused by undetected leaks in the plumbing or by structural damage to the roof or foundation. Sometimes these problems can go unnoticed for years and only be discovered when the damage is extensive. A little diligence can go a long way in preventing serious water damage.

1. Know where your water shutoff valves are. If the hot water tank or a pipe should develop a leak, the first thing you’ll need to do is to stop the flow of water. Knowing in advance where the valves are will make the job that much faster. Make certain other family members know their location as well.
2. Regularly check hoses and other connections to appliances that use water. Washers, dishwashers and icemakers all have hoses that can become cracked and develop a leak. Make certain that all hoses are securely connected.
3. Look around the hot water heater for puddles or damp spots. On average, a hot water heater will last from 7 to 12 years. If yours is near the end of its life span it may be time to have it replaced.
4. Taking showers, cooking and running the dishwasher all create moisture in the home. While it may not seem like a lot, the repeated condensation can cause damage over time. Install kitchen and bath vent if you don’t have them. If you do make sure they are operating properly. Check to see that the dryer vent flap on the outside of the house is working properly.
5. Check the plumbing under the kitchen sink and in the bathroom. These are areas that are prone to small leaks either from the sink drain, trap joints or around the faucets. These are also common areas where many homes need repairs due to rot.
6. Inspect the roof for missing or broken shingles and dry, cracked caulk around flashing. These are areas where water can enter a house. In winter the thawing and freezing of ice and snow can allow water to work its way into the wood structure of the roof. If the problem goes unnoticed for a long time it could cause large areas of rot.
7. Clean gutters regularly and make sure they are in good repair. When gutters are working properly they direct water away from the house and prevent it from seeping into the foundation
8. If you have water in the basement in the spring or after a heavy rain, you should find out why. Check the grade of the soil around the house. It should slope away from the foundation. If the walls of the basement are damp there may be a problem with the foundation’s moisture barrier.
9. Take extra steps in the winter to keep water pipes from freezing. Keep temperatures high enough so pipes in the wall don’t freeze. Wrap pipes that are in uninsulated areas and use a thermostatically controlled heat tape to prevent freezing. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe installation.
10. Prevent fires which can lead to water damage. Have your heating equipment, fireplace and chimney inspected regularly. Install smoke detectors and keep fire extinguishers handy.