Tips For Preventing Water Damage

How Do I Prevent Water Damage in My Home or Business?

As a property owner, your biggest priority is always ensuring the safety of the people in it and their possessions. This may not always mean installing security cameras and electric fences. Preventing water damage in your home or business is another way of ensuring safety. 

Water damages pose numerous health risks and cost a lot to repair. While insurance companies generally compensate for most types of damage, they can’t compensate for the discomfort and inconvenience caused. Luckily, as a property owner, you may adopt a few easy precautions to prevent water damage.

Check Your Gutters

Gutters often block with leaves and other debris. If water from your roof doesn’t flow freely downwards, it will always find a separate route, which is often one that leads to your house. If not solved, this can cause major damage to your ceiling board and floors. Periodically inspect your gutter and downspout for a blockage to prevent water damage in your home or business. 

Flash Your Sewer Lines

Blackwater damage from blocked sewer lines is the worst thing that can happen to your home or business. Don’t be one of those property owners who neglect their sewer lines and only act when problems arise. Get a professional company to inspect your sewers every six months. With this, you will be ahead of any problems that might come your way.

Maintain your Appliances

A responsible property owner ensures all the installed equipment, such as sump pumps, are in a good state. If your basement gets flooded and your sump pump is not working, the water will rise and cause damage to your property’s foundation. 

Check for Pipe Leaks

Hidden pipes often cause water damage because they are out of sight. You can inspect your walls for signs of water leakage, such as overly cool surfaces with patches (might be white, grey, green, or black). Call a professional to help if you are not sure about the situation of your pipes. Additionally, your pipes can be reinstalled if your house was built more than 50 years ago. Very old pipes tend to wear out and cause water damage.

Direct Drainages Away from Your Home or Business

Heavy downpours might cause flooding around your property, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. Digging a trench to redirect the water is a good measure to prevent flooding, but when doing this, ensure the draining point is away from your home or business. This will prevent floodwater damage.

Turn off the Water When Leaving for Long Periods

Turning off the water supply can help prevent water leaks while you are away. You wouldn’t want to return from your long journey only to realize your house is flooded. If possible, shut down your water heater system and check that it is in good condition. 

 

  • Frequently Asked Questions about Water and Flood Damage Cleanup

    What type of cleanup is involved after a flood?

    Heavy-duty cleaning is usually required after a flood. This may include cleaning with industrial-strength cleaners and specialized equipment.

    How do you clean flood damaged items?

    You can clean flood damaged items with a variety of methods, depending on the item. For example, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove water from carpets and upholstery. You can also use a mop and bucket to remove water from floors.

    How do you clean concrete after a flooding?

    If the concrete was only wet, you can let it dry and then sweep or hose it off. If it was covered in mud or other debris, you will need to power wash it.

    What to spray in the basement after flooding to remove odors and prevent mold growth?

    Mold and mildew can start growing within 24 to 48 hours after flooding. To prevent mold growth, spray a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water throughout the basement.

    How do you deodorize a basement after a flood?

    You can use a combination of baking soda and vinegar to deodorize a basement after a flood.

    How long should you run dehumidifier after a flood?

    It is recommended to run a dehumidifier for three to five days after a flood. The length of time will depend on other factors such as the type of materials impacted by water damage, the temperature and the strength of the dehumidifier.

    How do you dry a floor after a flood?

    Mop the floor with clean water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much water as possible. Place fans around the room to help circulate air and speed up the drying process. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to enter the room.