Water damage often happens inexplicably. However, other instances occur due to a minor issue you’ve been overlooking lately. Maybe your pipes aren’t functioning well, or the gutters are directing water to your home.

The slow drips can eventually weaken your home’s foundation, stain the walls and ceiling, and promote mold and mildew growth.

Fortunately, slight cautiousness is required to keep your home from a devastating event of water damage. This guide shares a few strategies to keep your home and loved ones safe in case of sudden water damage.

Avoid water damage with these 8 tips

It is worth noting that natural disasters aren’t the only culprit behind water damage. Numerous times it begins due to clogged gutters, burst pipes, and damaged roofs.

When left unchecked, a minor amount of water can lead to severe damage, from floor warping to mold growth. Therefore, it is critical for homeowners to identify the problem timely. Keep these tips in mind to prevent your property from costly repairs.

Install a water sensor

A water sensor is an electronic device that helps detect the presence of water inside the home.

You can attach it to your pipes, drains, or near appliances. As soon as the device detects a leak, it will alert you. These modern devices are equipped with the latest features, from wi-fi capabilities to phone alerts.

This means you can be at peace even if you’re away from home. The water sensor will quickly detect the leak and inform you via an app notification. You can then ask a trusted neighbor to visit your home and check for leaks.

Winterize your pipes

We all await pleasant winter days, from Christmas holidays to New Year’s Eve. However, winter can be equally stressful for homeowners, typically those in colder regions.

As the temperature plummets, the water inside the pipe freezes and expands. This exerts pressure on the pipe, bursting it. Once the ice thaws, it releases a large amount of water inside your home.

When excess water enters your property, it gets challenging to control it. Therefore, you must take steps to avoid pipe bursts in the first place. Fortunately, you can do so by winterizing them. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Use an insulation strip to insulate pipes, especially those in the basement and crawl spaces.
• Let a faucet drip to maintain the internal temperature of the pipe
• Turn on the heating to keep the pipes warm
• Keep the Gutters Clean

Water often collects near the roof and garage due to blocked gutters. This can lead to structural damage to your property. Besides, water on the roof makes it susceptible to leaks and damage. In a few cases, the roof frame rots, enhancing the likelihood of a collapse.

The water near the garage can seep through the foundation, weakening it over time. Therefore, keeping the gutters clean is critical.

Make sure you check the gutters regularly for leaves, twigs, and bird nests. Not only do they direct the water to the home, but they also promote mold growth, being organic.

Inspect your roof

Leaky roofs are a common culprit behind water damage. Several reasons, from incorrect installation to missing shingles and low-quality roofing materials, contribute to why it may happen. However, you cannot easily inspect the roof from the bottom.

Therefore, you’d need to climb the ladder to check for potential problems. Observe the roof for missing and cracked shingles and replace them with new ones. A severely damaged roof may require professional help, however.

Be mindful of dropping water pressure

Strong water pressure isn’t always good. If your faucets deliver more than their usual capacity, it signifies a problem. Residential pipes aren’t often designed to endure heavy pressure.

This risks a pipe burst, increasing the likelihood of flooding. Fortunately, checking the water pressure is a breeze. You only need to attach a water pressure gauge to a faucet. Once you do this, turn the faucet to its maximum capacity and wait for the gauge reading.

Normal water pressure is between 40-70 psi. Anything hitting 100 psi or more is a red flag. Make sure you contact a professional and have them inspect your plumbing.

Maintain your lawn

You must water your lawn property during drought season or dry weather conditions. A lawn that stays dry for a long time leads to soil shrinkage. This creates a gap between the lawn and your property, boosting the likelihood of water collecting in the gaps.

Unfortunately, the soil doesn’t reabsorb this water but seeps it into your property. Ensure the lawn slope is around 10 inches from your home. This will keep the water from collecting on the sides of your property.

Check your sump pump

A sump pump comes in handy during storms by directing water away from your property. Its efficient functionality is crucial to ensure that. Therefore, make sure yours works appropriately by checking it annually. Here’s how you can test its performance.

Pour water into the sump pump pit. Observe the float as it rises and later drops the water level

Unplug the main pump to check your backup pump

If you’re on municipal water and don’t have one, get a backup pump that operates on water pressure. Well-water users can purchase one with a battery.

Keep the drains clean

The sink and bathtub drain accumulate all sorts of dirt and bacteria, from grease to soap and hair. Naturally, they can clog over time, leading to a sewage backup. First off, avoid pouring stubborn materials like grease down the drain.

Besides, clean the drain regularly to ensure its optimal functioning. You can pour boiling water every night or vinegar and baking soda solution to keep the drain unclogged.

Conclusion

While there isn’t much you can do about sudden water intrusion, you can take steps to mitigate the damage and be safe than sorry.

Make sure you keep the gutters clean and drains unclogged, and ensure optimal operation of the sump pump. The more efficient your home’s drainage system is, the less the likelihood of water damage.