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How to Prevent Water Damage

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Everyone’s a critic.” In today’s society, with the DIY craze sweeping the nation, it is pretty safe to say that everyone is not only a critic, but also a plumber, electrician, chef, interior decorator, you name it. While we are all for being independent and learning new trades and skills, there are still some things that need to be left to the professionals. One of those things that should not fall under the DIY category is water damage restoration.  Water damage in homes can have very costly effects, both to your budget and to your health. If not handled properly (from finding and stopping the source to completely drying everything out and replacing or restoring damaged items) mold can grow and the structural components of your home can be compromised. So, while your best bet when faced with water damage is to call in a restoration team instead of taking it on yourself, there are still things that you can do on your own to help prevent water damage in your home.  

Prevention is much easier than restoration, and for all you DIYers out there, we have good news: you can completely take control of  helping to prevent water damage in your home. White Knight Carpet Rescue in Waukesha has come up with a list of DIY water damage prevention steps you can take to help mitigate the threat and risk of water damage, and show how you can play an active role in keeping your home and belongings safe from the devastating damage of leaks or floods.

DIY Water Damage Prevention

  • Start with a visual inspection of your home or building. Check in rooms and areas that are not obvious or are less trafficked. Basements, garages, attics, under cabinets, the ground around rain gutters, roof tops, and window wells are all common places water can pool and go unnoticed. Make sure these areas are dry and show no signs of any moisture or water damage. Make it a habit to check these places periodically to be sure that they stay clear of any signs of water damage, and that there are no cracks or leaks in sight.
  • Perform routine maintenance on household appliances that use water. Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are all common culprits of water damage in homes. Water hoses that run to these machines can weaken over time, and are prone to leaks. Keep an eye on these appliances, and make sure that you are following manufacturer’s guidelines when it comes to installation, use, and maintenance. Consider replacing washing machine hoses regularly to avoid leaks from aging and overuse.
  • Be aware of water outside of your home. Hoses left connected still house water, and if temperatures drop suddenly, water in a hose may freeze back into the pipe. Disconnect hoses to help prevent any water build up there. Rain gutters that are cluttered create blockages, which can lead to overflow. Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, and be sure that they are directing water away from the foundation of your home.
  • Know where you water main is. If you plan on being away for long periods of time, you may want to shut off the main water line to your home. Also, if you find yourself in a situation where water is overflowing, you will need to know where your water main is and how to shut it off.
  • Install water detection devices. Just as we use smoke detectors to warn us of a fire, there are detectors available that will warn us when moisture is present. These are extremely beneficial in areas where water leaks can go unnoticed.
  • Use a water pressure gauge to check the water pressure to your home. You can get a water pressure gauge at most local hardware stores, and all you have to do to check your pressure is attach it to an outside faucet and turn the faucet on full force. The gauge will give you a reading of the water pressure going into your home, and if it is too high it can cause unnecessary strain on pipes and hoses and cause them to fail under the pressure. If your water pressure is above 100 psi, you should install a water pressure regulator. Regulators can also be found at most local hardware stores, and come with installation instructions so you will totally be able to DIY the installation.
  • Last, but not least, track your water bill. If your usage spikes from one month to the next for no known reason, it may be due to a leak. If you cannot find a source, cause, or explanation to a sudden rise in your water usage, go back through your visual checklist of any areas of the home where leaks could be more prone. If all else fails, call in a restoration team to help with your investigation. They will work with you to help you find the source of any possible water leaks.

If you do end up facing water damage, don’t go at it alone. Contact White Knight Carpet Rescue Inc and we can provide you with more information on our services. We have 24/7 emergency response and will be there to help with all the steps of water damage restoration.

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