Don't let a burst pipe or leaky appliance ruin your house. Follow these steps to prevent a soggy and expensive mess.
There are ways to protect yourself against costly water losses and homeowner's insurance claims. Follow these 10 easy tips to keep your home safe and well-maintained:
Check the Outside of Your Home
1. Disconnect hoses
Standing water in a hose may freeze back into the pipe and create an ice block that, in a best-case scenario, stops your water flow. In the worst cases, it may bust your pipes and create damage to walls, floor and foundation.
2. Clean gutters and downspouts
Clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid blockage and ice dams. Standing water can cause damage to your gutters and roof, and unmanaged overflow may create puddles that could damage your foundation.
Don't forget to clean downspouts to ensure water can flow through, and secure downspouts so that they point away from the home.
There are ways to protect yourself against costly water losses and homeowner's insurance claims. Follow these 10 easy tips to keep your home safe and well-maintained:
Check the Outside of Your Home
1. Disconnect hoses
Standing water in a hose may freeze back into the pipe and create an ice block that, in a best-case scenario, stops your water flow. In the worst cases, it may bust your pipes and create damage to walls, floor and foundation.
2. Clean gutters and downspouts
Clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid blockage and ice dams. Standing water can cause damage to your gutters and roof, and unmanaged overflow may create puddles that could damage your foundation.
Don't forget to clean downspouts to ensure water can flow through, and secure downspouts so that they point away from the home.
3. Maintain trees and vegetation
Thriving shrubs can be a beautiful thing — except when their roots wrap around your pipes and break them. That's why it's important to minimize landscaping near utility pipes or, if necessary, remove trees and shrubs that have become too big.
Interior Measures to Prevent Water Damage
4. Know your water main
Know the location of your water main, and shut it off if you leave for an extended amount of time. If no water goes in to the house, chances are no faucet drips can wreak havoc on your home while you're away.
5. Check appliances regularly
Check and maintain your home appliances regularly for leaks, according to manufacturer's directions.
Read Full Article Here: 10 Tips to Avoid Water Damage to Your Home
