6 Ways to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

Consider the number of hours you’re away from your home. Whether you leave your house five days a week to go to work or go on frequent getaways, you might spend more time outside than indoors. How would you feel if you came back home after a relaxing vacation to find flooding in your basement or living room? 

Whether your home experiences a minor water leak or a catastrophic one, the destruction can be devastating. Find out why it’s crucial to prevent water damage. 

The Importance of Preventing Water Damage

Not only can water damage ruin your prized possessions, but it can also impact the rest of your home. If you’re able to act fast, you may be able to minimize the harm and salvage your valuables. However, the best way to combat this type of damage is to never let it affect your home in the first place. 

Preventing water damage is key to maintaining a functional home for decades to come. Follow our six tips to keep your property safe.

1. Check Appliances Frequently

Check and maintain your appliances for leaks a few times a year. Be sure to reference your manufacturer’s instructions so that you don’t break them.

2. Remember to Disconnect Your Hose

Standing water inside your hose can freeze back into the pipe, creating an ice block that can obstruct water flow. Unfortunately, blocked pathways can lead to bursting pipes, which can deteriorate your home’s walls, floor, and foundation. 

3. Maintain Your Gutters and Downspouts

It’s essential to clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid blockage and ice dam formation. Sitting water can wreak havoc on your home’s gutters and roof, and unmanaged overflow can result in puddles that can weaken your home’s foundation. Clean your downspouts to promote water flow, and make sure they’re pointing away from your home. 

4. Replace Old Washing Machine Hoses

Brittle, leaky washing machine hoses are among the most infamous causes of water loss for homeowners. Replace yours as needed to avoid expensive damage. 

5. Maintain Your Vegetation

Blooming shrubs are beautiful to look at, except when their roots wrap around your home’s pipes and break them. Keep landscaping around your pipes to a minimum, and, if necessary, trim down trees and shrubs that have grown too big. 

6. Upkeep Your Bathtub

Inspect the caulking around your bathtub to ensure it’s watertight. If you discover cracks on the caulk, it may be time for a replacement to prevent water from seeping into your bathroom floor. Fortunately, caulk is inexpensive, so it’s best to replace it before you end up with costly water damage. 

Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters is Here for You

Although keeping water damage at bay is key to preserving your home, sometimes, there are emergencies in which you can’t prepare. If your home or business experiences loss due to fire, smoke, or water damage, you’ll need to resolve your insurance claim fast. Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters can quickly resolve your claim. We represent you, not your insurance provider. If you live in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, or Ohio, you can contact us today for a claims review.