Keeping your house ready to face the flood is important as you cannot predict the weather. When your house is maintained properly, it will be easier for you to claim a coverage from the insurance company. The following are 6 tips on how to prevent a water damage from occurring in your home.
1. Check Your Roof for Leaks
The roof that shelter your house can deteriorate over time after exposure to outdoor weather elements such as rain, hail, and snow. For this reason, you should check the roof at least once or twice a year. You know for sure that the leaks come from the roof when there is missing shingle or the shingle has cracks. Water stain on the ceiling is sign that the leaks from from the roof. You have to find the leaks before damage spread to all the roof. The best way to check the roof for leaks is to go up to your attic with a flash light and check for water stain during a rainy day.
2. Make Sure the Gutter and Downspout are Clear
Water leaks can happen if the gutter and downspout are blocked. It is important that the gutter and downspout are clear from any rubbish in order for the rain water to flow smoothly. Some of the common debris that end up on the gutter are dead leaves, sticks and acorns. If you hire a professional, they may use powerful air blower to blow the debris away. They may also use a long pole to shove the debris off to the ground. If you are willing to climb the roof, you can use your hand to pick them up and put them in a plastic bag. After that, you can use a water hose to flush the gutter.
3. Make Sure the Window Has No Damage
Water can get in through the window if the seal around it is damaged. You can examine the window up close to see if there is any hole in the seal or any screw missing. The damaged or missing parts of the window can easily be purchased at the local hardware store. If your window has warranty, you should call the warranty hotline number and get it fixed for free.
4. Check Your Appliance for Leaks
Appliances like washing machine, dishwasher and refrigerator are also common sources of water leaks. You can check the water supply hose that connects to the back of machine for any drop of water. The hose must always be in good shape. If the hose is corroded or rusty, you must replace it. The leaks could also be caused by internal hoses, pump or tub fittings that have worn out.
5. Pay Attention to Your Water Bill
It is hard to detect leaking on a plumbing system as some pipes are hidden behind the wall and under the wall. If your water bill suddenly goes up, it could be that somewhere on the pipe in your house is leaking. It is recommended that you hire a professional to run a complete check on the house structure for any signs of leaking every year.