9 Tips to Prevent Home Water Damage

Kim Hanke • Oct 05, 2022
Overflowing Home Gutter | Hanke Brothers Siding & Windows

 

While your gardens and trees might be ready for the rain showers that fall brings, you and your family might not be prepared if your house is not adequately protected from water damage.

 

Although many disasters are unexpected, preventive measures can protect your home and help reduce damage from surprise accidents and events, saving you money, time, and stress in the long run. While thinking about water damage to your property might be scary, we have all the tips you need to help you become a responsible homeowner and prevent home water damage. Here are the nine tips you need to follow to prevent water damage to your home:

 


1. Inspect Home Appliances Regularly

 

Home appliances that use water come with a manufacturer's instruction manual to check for leaks. You must replace your washing machine hose to avoid water damage and loss. Check your water heater for leaks at least once per year.


 

2. Install Leak Detectors

 

Consider installing devices that set off an alarm when they detect water or flooding. These devices are known as leak detectors and come in various shapes and sizes. However, look for models with vital features such as phone alerts, intelligent home integration, temperature sensors, and Wi-Fi capabilities. When integrated into your water system, they can shut off the water supply and prevent further damage - and it’s all manageable right from your cell phone or tablet.


 

3. Install an Irrigation Controller

 

Detecting water damage can be rather complex when treating a large garden or yard. Luckily, a smart irrigation controller can help locate water damage and faults in your yard or garden. You will also save a lot of money since the system automatically stops irrigation in case it is expected to rain.


 

4. Clean Out Gutters

 

Your roof’s gutters can get clogged by dead branches, leaves, twigs, and other debris. Therefore, it may not effectively get water off your roof and away from your basement and foundation. While gutter cleaning can help unclog your gutters, it is only a temporary solution and poses a risk every time you climb a ladder. For a permanent solution, guaranteed for life, install gutter guards that keep debris and leaves out, allowing moisture and rain to escape through the gutter and downspout. Hanke Brothers is the only company in Benton, Arkansas, and the surrounding areas to provide certified K-guard gutter systems. We’re proud to offer a one-stop, permanent solution for leaking, flooding, and pooling gutters that will never clog.


 

5. Inspect Your Drainage System

 

Your home's drainage system does one critical job – directing the water into the storm drains or sewer lines. Therefore, it helps keep moisture away from your foundation and stop structural damage. However, poor installation, tree roots, and clogged gutters can compromise your home's drainage system. Ensure you inspect the drainage system every couple of years and have it replaced or repaired.


 

6. Periodically Check Your Pipes

 

Water damage in homes often occurs due to leaking or burst pipes. For instance, a leak in the drain pipes will lead to costly water damage in your home. These pipes will degrade over time due to mineral buildup and corrosion, thus hindering them from performing their task. Ensure you conduct regular maintenance checks on your pipes – especially the drain pipes and main water supply pipe.


 

7. Install Custom Built, Insulated Windows

 

Although plumbing fixtures and appliances are the most common culprit for water damage, windows can also have a disastrous effect if broken, ill-fitting, or poorly maintained. Water gets into your home when you have open or loose windows. It can cause several issues, as a broken window might not be noticeable in a well cooled or heated house, often, leaking windows are not apparent until heavy rain arrives, and by then, it might be too late. Leaking windows can lead to water damage to walls, furniture, and floors which can lead to discoloration and rotting. It will help to install custom-built and insulated windows that fit perfectly, thus avoiding water damage.


 

8. Check Your Home's Water Pressure

 

The hoses and pipes will fail when you set the water pressure too high. Therefore, consider purchasing a water pressure gauge and attaching it to an outside faucet. Turn that particular faucet to full force and check your home's water pressure. Typically, you should have a residential water pressure of 40-70 psi . However, installing a pressure regulator is recommended if the reading is above 100 psi.


 

9. Monitor Your Home’s Water Bill

 

At times, figuring out whether you have water leakage in the home can be challenging. However, a closer look at the water bill can help determine water leaks. For instance, a sudden jump in your water bill can signal that you have a leak in your crawlspace, and it could also mean you have a burst or leaking pipe in the front yard. Whatever the case, do not leave mystery leaks unattended once you notice an alarmingly high water bill.



 

Let Us Help

 

Are you looking to protect your Arkansas home from water damage? The first step is installing Hanke Brothers K-Guard gutter guards that ensure you never have to clean your gutter system. It will also help to have custom-built, insulated windows to prevent water damage during heavy rains. Whether you’re interested in modern, insulated windows or a permanent gutter solution,

contact us today to take the first step toward preventing home water damage.

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