Tips to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage to your home is often avoidable through routine maintenance. Simply taking a few extra moments each week to check on potential problem areas can mean the difference between easy clean up work and major home repairs.

In general, it is a good idea to know where your main water shut off valve is, and to check it often to make sure it is working properly. To check for hidden leaks, turn off all water-using appliances and faucets, and don't flush any toilets for an hour. Then, record the water meter reading. If it changes while no water is being used in the house, you might have a leak. The most common places to find leaks are bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

In the bathroom, check under the sink for signs of leaks. Discoloration or soft areas around on the walls or floors around your shower or bathtub may indicate a problem. Check the caulking where the walls meet the floor and the bathtub, and be on the lookout for mold or cracks. Mold can be a serious problem, so if you find it, call a professional mold remediation contractor.

In the kitchen, the dishwasher, refrigerator, and sink are the problem areas you want to keep an eye on. Make sure you check periodically under the sink to make sure the hose connection of your dishwasher to the water supply line is secure and not leaking. Look around the base of the dishwasher for discolored or warped flooring. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, make sure that hose connection is also securely attached to the water supply line.

In the laundry room, check the washing machine hose regularly for signs of cracking, fraying, or bulging. As part of a preventative maintenance plan, replace the hose every three to five years. Other appliances to keep an eye on are your water heater and air conditioning unit. Water heaters generally last 10 to 15 years, and should be placed on the lowest level of the house near a floor drain. Keep an eye out for a rusted tank or wet spots on the floor. Have your air conditioning system serviced at the beginning of each cooling season and change the air filters regularly to avoid problems.

When water damage does happen, it can cause a great deal of harm in a short period of time. Prompt action is essential when you discover water damage in your home, and you want to know you're being taken care of by qualified professionals. We at 911 Restoration have over 30 years of experience in the industry, and are available 24/7 to help you through any water-related emergency. We provide full-service water restoration and mold remediation services across the U.S. and Canada. Call us today at 888-243-6653.