Jul 8, 2022
A woman looking up at a rooftop drip as she holds a bowl to catch the water

The dripping faucet, moisture condensation stains on the ceiling, and the flooding bathroom all point to one thing: water has successfully infiltrated your home and is now wreaking havoc.

Water damage can come from broken pipes, faulty appliances, or even heavy rains. Studies reveal that a whopping 98% of homes in the United States will experience basement flooding during their lifetime. And, no homeowner is ever fully prepared to deal with the aftermath of water damage.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of tips to help prevent water damage in your home.

Know Where the Stop Cock Is:

Water damage isn’t seasonal. It is the unexpected, unwelcomed visitor that knows no time or place. That’s why you must always know where your home’s stopcock is.

A stopcock is a valve controlling water flow into your home. It is usually located near the front or back door, close to where the main water supply enters your home.

In case of a burst pipe or any other plumbing emergency, you can quickly shut off the water and prevent further damage.

Be Proactive with Leak Inspection:

Most homeowners tend to put off minor leaks, thinking they will fix them “later.” But if left unchecked, these small drips can become bigger problems, leading to extensive water damage. More importantly, the water loss is tremendous. A leaking tap may lose up to 58 gallons (290 liters) of water each week.

It’s vital to be proactive and inspect your home for leaks regularly. Check under sinks, around any appliances that use water, and in the basement.

If you spot a leak, immediately call a professional plumber to fix the problem.

Keep Your Gutters Clean:

Your gutters have a vital role in protecting your home from water damage. They act as a barrier, diverting water away from your roof, windows, and foundation.

If your gutters are clogged with moss and weeds, they won’t be able to do their job correctly. As a result, rainwater will spill over the sides of your gutters and pool around your home.

It can lead to mold growth, rotted wood, and foundation cracks. All these problems are expensive to repair and may affect the resale value of your home.

To avoid these issues, clean your gutters at least once a year. You can do it yourself or hire a professional gutter cleaning service in McKinney.

Maintain your Sump Pumps:

Do you know those big, ugly, plastic tubs full of water in your basement? They are critical and can save your home from a flood.

These are called sump pumps; their job is to pump water out of your basement before it has a chance to rise too high. When sump pumps fail, homes can flood very quickly.

To prevent your sump pump from failing, you should test it regularly and ensure the power is working. You should also add a backup power source, like a battery, in case of a power outage.

Conclusion:

Sometimes, water damage is unavoidable. No matter how well you maintain your home, things can happen.

If you don’t want to wake up to soaked carpets or deal with laminate floor water damage, get in touch with G2 Restoration. We offer water mitigation services in McKinney. Get a free evaluation today!