Whether you’re a new homeowner or living in the home your family’s been in for decades, there’s one thing that all homeowners will have to deal with at some point – water damage. Water damage might not seem like a serious threat to your home’s construction, but if you’re not careful, a damaged pipe or particularly rainy season could mean major issues for your home. Use these tips to avoid water damage in your home and keep your space safe and healthy for you and your family.
Watch For Leaks
Household leaks might not seem like a serious issue right away, but they can quickly contribute to damage throughout your home. Leaks can damage walls, floors, or other appliances if left unchecked. They’re also incredibly wasteful and can increase your utility bills. A trillion gallons of water, worth $6 billion, is wasted each year as the result of running toilets, leaking faucets, or other leaks. If you notice a leak in your home, it’s best to address it as soon as possible.
Find Problem Areas
Certain areas and spots in your home are more likely to cause or be responsible for water damage. Look for areas with lots of plumbing or water use. Don’t limit yourself to inside your home as well – exterior features like pools can sometimes cause issues as well. California health code requires a 6 hour turnover rate for pools, to get 100% of the pool water through the filtration system. Stay aware of your local codes with regards to your pools and maintain them frequently to avoid water damage.
Update Materials
Not all materials are created equal in the construction of your home. Materials used in older construction might have decent long-term durability, but can be weak to certain types of damage. Water damage, in particular, can be particularly harmful to common materials used in older buildings. Wood only needs three things to rot: water, oxygen, and favorable temperature between 40 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice damage to older parts of your home, or materials that might be more vulnerable to water damage, you may want to consider swapping them out for newer alternatives.
Recognize Signs
One of the most frustrating things about water damage in your home is it can be difficult to spot while still in the early stages, meaning that by the time you find it, it can already have done serious damage. It’s best to learn the signs of water damage in your home, so you can catch it early. For example, pay attention to your home’s air quality. Indoor air often contains twice as much dust as the air outside, which equals a million microscopic particles in a cubic inch of air. If you notice one room or area of your home, in particular, seems especially humid, dusty, or otherwise different from the rest of your home, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
Small Repairs And Maintenance
Small adjustments and fixes over time can have a major impact on your home’s ability to withstand water issues. Check your plumbing regularly for any leaks or issues, but also check in areas you don’t normally interact with. Clean your gutters as needed to avoid them overflowing and causing damage to your home’s foundation. Also, be sure that your downspouts aren’t draining too close to the house. They should ideally be at least five feet away to avoid damaging your home.
Water damage can be an expensive issue to fix in your home, but it’s also one that’s easily preventable. Use these tips and tricks to avoid water damage and keep your home safe for years to come.
