Water damage is one of the most common causes of property damage. According to RubyHome, around 14,000 people in the U.S. are affected by water damage daily, which makes it a serious problem to address! Water damage can result in mold growth, drywall rot, severe foundation and structural damage and whatnot! 

Also, you may have to bear some heavy costs when repairing the havoc. The good news is that you can avoid this by taking a few simple steps and prevent water damage. Although it needs a little more upkeep from you, the money and security will be worth the effort.

In this blog, we will guide you on how to prevent water damage with the 9 most effective water damage prevention tips. Also, how to prevent water damage in your home with the help of a professional water damage restoration company in Florida. 

So, let’s get started!

Know Where Is The Shutoff Valve

Plumbing professionals say that the main water shutoff valve is the most essential plumbing equipment in the entire house. This is because your entire house gets water from the main water valve. If you stop can stop it at the right time, this will prevent water damage at a significant level.

Make sure that you and your family members know where it is exactly. It just takes a few minutes for a serious leak to cause significant damage. It’s important to know where it is located and how to turn off the water supply so you can prevent water damage immediately.

Always Keep An Eye For Leaks

Small leaks can easily be overlooked, but if you allow them to persist, they can cause more significant issues. Can you guess how much water a leaking tap might waste? 

According to IPropertyManagement, a leak in your plumbing system can waste 6,300 gallons of water in a year, which is a lot!

Be cautious and look under the sinks and around appliances like washers and dishwashers to see if any water is lying around. Fixing the leaks will help you to prevent water damage in future.

Check Your Sump Pump

The sump pump, which is common equipement in homes with basements, is essential to prevent water damage in your basement after a long period of rain. If you don’t have one installed, ensure you get one immediately to prevent water damage. 

If you already have a sump pump, then service and maintain it once a year by a professional water damage restoration company in Florida, so that you can make sure it’s functionality and keeping yourself safe from stroms or heavy rain.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

It’s crucial to inspect your gutters regularly to prevent water damage. Although leaves are frequently to blame for blocked drains, this problem is not just an autumnal one. Weeds and moss are also frequently identified as key contributors of clogged drain. 

Your gutters are probably clogged and need cleaning if water is pouring down the side of your property or if they look to be sagging. Clean your gutters at least twice a year to prevent waterm damage. 

Your roof and gutters can get damaged by standing water, and your foundation may also become damaged by puddle caused by uncontrolled overflow. If any of this happens, you must contact a professional water damage restoration company in Florida to prevent water damage quickly.

Do not forget to lock your downspouts so that they point away from your property, and clean any downspouts to guarantee that water can flow through them and you can prevent water damage in your home.

Check The Inside and Outside of Your Roof

If there are leaks in your roof and you are not aware of them, it can cost you a ton of money and stress. You won’t be able to prevent water damage during rainstorms which can significantly damage your belongings. 

Constantly look for signs of water leaking from your roof. You can check your attic from time to time Or look for wet spots on the walls or stain like the colour of tea on the plaster. 

Examine the roof from the outside for any obvious damage and confirm that any chimney flashing is still in good condition.

Check our blog on How To Deal With Water Damage On Ceilings and prevent water damage from your ceiling.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

If you live in an arctic zone, it’s extremely important to know how to avoid frozen pipes to prevent water damage. Use a smart thermostat to keep it at a minimum temperature of at least 10 degrees Celsius, even if you are planning to stay out of the home for a while. 

Pipes must be able to circulate warm water in order to prevent water damage from frozen pipes. 

If your property will be vacant for quite a long time, then you should turn off the water supply from the stopcock and drain the whole system so that no water remains in your pipes and you can prevent water damage through frozen pipes.

Check Your Water Pressure

Your home’s pipes and hoses could burst if the water pressure isn’t adjusted right. Purchase a water pressure gauge from your neighbourhood hardware store, fasten it to an outside faucet, and open the tap fully. The indicator will display the water pressure in the house.

According to Nationwide, most home water systems are built to handle water pressure between 40 and 70 psi. Install a pressure regulator if the water pressure in your house is more than 100 psi, but it could violate the state code. 

Have a look on your local guidelines to be safe. We suggest you to aim for a psi that’s between 60 and 70 as it is one of the vital water damage prevention tips and recommended by most of the plumbing experts. 

Install A Device to Find Water Leaks

Let’s face it no matter how badly you want to prevent water damage in your home. You can’t check for leaks on a regular basis. In that case, installing a leak detector will be a smart and efficient decision to prevent water damage in the home.

When moisture comes into touch with the sensor on a water detector, you will hear an alarm. Its key advantage is that it can find gradual leaks or low moisture levels, which frequently go undetected. 

The best places to install it are close to toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, sump pumps, and toilets to prevent water damage and mold growth. 

Find Spots With Mold to Prevent Water Damage

Mold is a serious issue that can indicate water damage in your home, as moisture is the main reason for mold growth. 

You may identify dampness by flaking wallpaper or paint as well as by black spots on your skirting (also known as baseboards, the borders of your walls) and sills( the border of your windows). 

Consider adding more insulation if your walls feel cold or if you smell constant mustiness in your home. Additionally, look for condensation in the mornings on windows and skylights. Its presence may signal that your home has higher than normal moisture levels.

Check out our comprehensive blog and find The Ultimate Guide To Staying Mold-Free.

Conclusion

In conclusion, water damage is a common and costly problem that affects thousands of people every day. By following the 9 most effective water prevention tips provided in your blog, you know how to protect your home from water damage. 

First and foremost, knowing the location of the main water shutoff valve is crucial. Being able to quickly turn off the water supply in the event of a leak can prevent water damage significantly. 

Also, regular checkings for leaks, the sump pump and water pressure are also effective water prevention tips. Even small leaks can lead to bigger issues if left unaddressed.

Additionally, keeping your gutters clean, finding the moldy spots at home, and installing a leak detection device is essential when you want to prevent water damage in your beloved property. 

Unfortunately, if you ever need help with water damage in your home, contact a professional water damage restoration service in Florida as soon as possible to mitigate the damage and save yourself from costly repair money as they know exactly how to prevent water damage. 

So, here’s to a stress-free living environment without water damage issues!