How to Prevent Damage From Water Leaks

From unexpected weather to plumbing failures, water damage can happen at any time. However, preventing water damage to homes isn’t that hard. In fact, you can prevent water damage from water leaks with a few simple steps. In most cases, the only specialized tool you need to prevent water damage is your eyes.

How to Protect Your Home From Water Damage

The best way of preventing water damage is to check for water leaks and make repairs when needed. Even a small water leak can lead to major damage over time.

How Do You Prevent Water Damage?

Preventing water damage involves taking steps to ensure that water does not enter your home or building. Some ways to prevent water damage include:

Fixing leaks as soon as they are noticed
Installing sump pumps in areas that are prone to flooding
Insulating pipes to prevent them from freezing during cold weather
Regularly inspecting and cleaning gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage
Having a professional inspect your home or building for potential water damage risks
Installing a water alarm to detect leaks
Keep appliance hoses and connections in good condition
Maintaining good drainage around the building foundation

Additionally, it is important to have homeowner’s insurance that covers water damage, in case the preventative measures fail.

What Are the Possible Causes of Water Leaks in a Household?

Most water leaks are caused by loose water connections, but they are also caused by bust pipes and plumbing failures. Here are the most common types of water leaks:

Toilet Supply Line Leaks – Although the water supply line on your toilet can corrode or burst, the most likely cause of a water leak is a loose connection. A toilet leak can cause hundreds of gallons of water damage.
Appliance Supply Line Leaks – From washing machines to refrigerators, many major appliances in your home have water lines. The connections can wear out and cause anything from a small leak to a major flood.
Burst Water Pipes – Less common than other types of water leaks, your water pipes could burst. This usually happens when pipes freeze during the winter, but it could happen for other reasons as well.
Water Tank Failures – While rare, a water tank failure can cause a flood fast. Most tanks hold at least 40 gallons of water, and the water could keep running once it’s empty as well.

How to Prevent Water Leaks

The following steps will help prevent damage from water leaks before it happens.

Mark your Shutoff Valve – Your water shutoff valve stops the flow of water into your house. Find and clearly mark the valve so you can turn it off in an emergency.
Look For Leaks – Check pipes and plumbing fixtures for water leaks. Aside from seeing water, look for water spots or weakened materials.
Repair Damaged Caulk – Check and replace caulk around sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets. This will keep water from leaking behind walls and under floors.
Replace Washers – Worn-out washers can lead to small water leaks. Replace the washers on your toilets and sinks if they are dried out or cracking.
Tighten Connections – Check the water lines on all of your appliances and plumbing fixtures. Tighten them with a crescent wrench if necessary.
Check Hoses and Supply Lines – Look at all water supply lines and hoses, especially to your washing machine and refrigerator. Replace hoses that are dried out, cracked, or damaged.
Look at Your Water Heater – Look at your water heater for rust as well as water stains on the ground. A water leak could turn into a water tank flood faster than you may think.
Test Your Sump Pump – Test your sump pump to make sure it works properly. Add a battery backup in case the power goes out during a storm.
Inspect Foundation Walls – Cracks in your foundation walls and floors can cause floods during heavy rains. Seal cracks with hydraulic cement to prevent water leaks.
Clean Gutters – Clean your gutters at least once a season. Clogged gutters can cause allow water to pool around your foundation, as well as ice dams in the winter.
Check Your Landscaping – Walk around your home and look at your landscaping. The soil should slope away from your house for at least three feet. Plus, you should keep trees and bushes a few feet away from your house.
Inspect Your Roof – Take a look at your roof at least twice a year. If you don’t have a ladder that can reach the roof, use binoculars while standing on the ground to look for damage.
Look at Your Chimney – While you’re checking your roof, check your chimney as well. Look for damaged or missing masonry as well as gaps in the flashing.
Winterize Outside Faucets – Turn off and drain outside faucets and hose bibs to keep them from freezing. If you live in an area with extreme winters, use an insulated cover as well.
Clear Your Sewer Line – Most municipal water or sewer departments will snake your sewer line free of charge. Call them out every few years for a flush. After cleaning the line, they usually check for cracks too.

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Day-to-Day Tips For Preventing Water Damage

While regular checks will help prevent damage, here are a few things you can do every day as well. These may seem small and not worth worrying about, but they can make a huge difference in preventing water leaks.

Never pour grease or coffee grounds down your drain. They will clog drain pipes and sewer lines. Plus, they will trap other solids in your sewers, making the clog worse.
Avoid putting food waste larger than a pea in your garbage disposal. Throw away larger food waste or add it to your compost bin. When using your disposal, leave the water running and allow it to run until the drain is completely clear.
Only flush toilet paper. Tissues and so-called flushable wipes may seem like they are the same, but they break down much slower than toilet paper. More than likely, they will cause clogs or backups.
Use a drain snake instead of chemical drain cleaners if you have a drain clog. It is more effective at removing clogs and less dangerous to your family and the environment.
Flush sink drains with vinegar and baking soda at least once a month. The reaction will loosen dirt stuck in drains. Then rinse them with boiling hot water to flush the dirt away. If your drains smell, squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice in the drain before going to bed. It’ll smell fresh in the morning.
Turn off the water supply if you are traveling for more than a few days. If there is a problem, you limit the amount of water damage. If you’re traveling in the winter, think about draining your pipes as well.

What to Do If You Have Water Damage?

No matter how hard you try, preventing water damage isn’t always possible. Even with regular checks, accidents can happen fast. If something happens, here is what you should do to clean it up.

Shut Off the Water – If a pipe or hose is leaking, shut off your water valve to stop the water leak. This will prevent more damage and make it easier to clean up.
Pump Out the Water – Use a pump to remove the water. Make sure the water is pumped outside and away from your house to prevent it from leaking back in.
Throw Away Damaged Items – Throw away items that are too wet or damaged to save. Use heavy-duty garage bags to avoid a mess while carrying them outside.
Dry Your Home – Use high-volume fans and dehumidifiers to dry your home. Direct fans at the wettest area, then move them around as your home starts to dry.
Clean and Disinfect – Clean with soap and water, then spray the area with bleach to kill mold.

Who to Call for Help?

Preventing water damage isn’t always an option and cleaning up the mess takes time and the right equipment. If you had a water leak that caused major damage, call 1-888-443-3110 now for immediate water removal services. Our water cleanup contractors offer free on-site estimates and 24-hour emergency response.