When it comes to the health of your home, water damage is the silent killer. While most people think of water damage in terms of flooded basements and bursting pipes, there are many other ways water can harm your household, from mold buildup to overloaded gutters.
Luckily, protecting a home from water damage isn’t as difficult as it might sound. Here are three ways to keep your home in tip-top condition and prevent water damage from occurring.
Waterproof your basement
There’s a reason basement leaks are most commonly associated with water damage: they’re one of the most common types. Typically, basement leaks occur in houses with cracked foundations or unfinished bottom levels. When it rains, precipitation buildup seeps into the ground and finds its way in through those cracks or through the dirt itself, depending on how your basement is structured. Fortunately, it may not be necessary for you to revamp your foundation to address a leak.
When it comes to basement waterproofing, there are many simple do-it-yourself fixes to try before you call in the cavalry. If you haven’t found the source of the leak yet, that’s your first step. Once you’ve determined the water’s entry point, you can begin to patch it up. Many home stores sell the necessary tools, from concrete waterproof coatings to more accessible options like plastic sheets and panels. There are even waterproof acrylic paints and sealers which are a great fix for minor cracks. However, if your leak is more severe, it’s probably best to call a professional before you sink hundreds of dollars into DIY projects that might not solve the problem.
Don’t abuse your drains
If you need to call your local plumber service rather frequently, then it might be time for you to take a look at how you’re treating your drains. From common clogs which overflow your sinks to deteriorating materials which could cause a pipe to burst, it’s easier to damage your drains than you might think. If it’s a recurring problem in your household, then it’s probably a man-made issue.
One common culprit is cooking grease. In fact, it’s the leading cause of clogs and backups. Hot grease also eats away at your plumbing, so unless you’re willing to risk unsightly and unsafe water stains throughout your home, dispose of your grease and oil properly when you’re done cooking. While it’s truly tempting to rinse a pan and toss the remnants, allow the oil to coil and then toss it into the garbage. If you’re worried about it leaking from the bag, soak it up with paper towels first before disposal.
Clean out your gutters
At least twice a year, it’s important to empty out your gutters to prevent any blockage or ice dams. Otherwise you risk an overflow, which creates puddles around your home that can damage your foundation. Cleaning your gutters means cleaning the downspouts too, to ensure that the water is being released in a safe area far enough away from the foundation. If you’re not confident with handling the cleaning yourself, make sure you have some money tucked
away — a professional gutter cleaning will quickly climb in costs based on the size of your home.
If you’re proactive when it comes to preventing water damage, your wallet and your home will certainly thank you. It’ll keep your home in prime condition for years to come and help you avoid costly repairs. While there are many more ways to prevent water damage, these three primary fixes are a great start towards a safe, water-free home.
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