Water damage is something that most homeowners want to avoid at all costs. Water is only designed to be present in a regulated manner within the building structure, in supply pipes, drain pipes, sinks, and basins. Water should never be allowed to accumulate in crawl spaces, basements, floors, or walls. Solutions like basement waterproofing prove effective at protecting an entire space from potential water damage. In addition, there are fixes and preventative measures that can save you from small water leaks to serious water damage that requires costly professional work to repair.
1. Protect your drains
Sinks are designed to collect water and direct it to the sewer main through waste pipes. Every component of that system must work flawlessly. Otherwise, wastewater will seep into sink cabinets. Furthermore, branch lines to the drain-waste-vent might leak across floors or within walls. To Keep your sinks and drains in good working order there are a number of maintenance and preventive measures you can employ. One way to ensure healthy and flowing drains is to avoid pouring grease down drains because it can quickly solidify in sections of the piping and cause clogs and can be very difficult to remove. It is best to also keep a strainer in place on a sink and shower drains to prevent any debris that can cause clogs from getting in. By having a strainer, they should be cleaned often to remove any caught debris and thrown into the trash. As part of your maintenance checklist to ensure healthy and flowing drains you can inspect visible piping located under sinks and toilets and ensure that the drains are not leaking. In the case that they are it is best to replace the piping immediately.
2. Regularly check and clean your sump pump
To avoid water damage it is important that your sump pump is properly working so that it is ready to pump water out of your basement in an event that excess water enters your living space. When there is a problem with your sump pump, there are warning indications to watch for. You should look out for strange pump noises that may indicate worn-out components. Noises such as rattling or grinding might indicate a stuck or broken impeller. Along with noises, excessive vibration in the motor might also indicate that the impeller is bent or distorted which may need to be fixed or replaced. Another issue to look for is if the sump pump is cycling on and off when it should be functioning might indicate an issue with the internal wiring. While an oil leak may indicate that the sump pump may fail shortly. If you see any of these symptoms, contact a professional immediately since your sump pump may require expert maintenance or replacement.
As a homeowner, the best way to ensure your sump pump is functioning properly is the overall cleanliness of the machine. It is essential for sump pump and sump pit maintenance. Cleanliness boosts the longevity and efficiency of your equipment. To clean your sump pump and sump pit you should first turn off the sump pump and ensure no one is using any appliance that will drain water into the sump pit like a washing machine. Once off you can begin to rinse the pump using a hose. Then, using a plastic scraper or putty knife, scrape away the caked particles. Clean out the sump pit using a wet vac and reattach the pump to the discharge pipe and reconnect it to its power source once it is dry. Sump pump maintenance ensures that your equipment is functioning when you need it most.
3. Ensure proper land grading
Grading the surface around your home is important for the natural runoff of water. This ensures that water does not settle in any areas of your home that can cause damage to any exterior surface or from the water seeping down into the ground and potentially into your basement. Uneven soil hampers effective water drainage, and during heavy rain, water might flow towards rather than away from the property. Water might potentially collect around the foundation, causing fractures or, in worst-case circumstances, floods.
Land grading prevents water from pooling near your home’s foundation and directs any rain or stormwater away from your property by modifying the surface angle. Water drainage is critical to any building project, and when a trained professional does land grading, the right drainage channels are built and used to ensure the structure of your property. To ensure that your property is appropriately graded it is important to routinely walk around your home after rainfall and inspect any areas that have settled water. If you find a number of areas around your home that have pooling water it may be time to have the surface graded to ensure proper drainage.
4. Clear the gutters and downspouts of debris
It is critical to maintain your gutter system all year, especially if you reside in a rainy area. Normally, you can predict when the cold and wet months will arrive, but storms sometimes appear suddenly, and when that happens, you will want to make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready to withstand the surge of rain. In addition, when gutters get blocked and neglected, they can sustain damage. If there is too much debris in the gutters and downspouts, the weight will cause the gutters to droop and the gutters will be unable to manage the rainwater levels. Gutter systems age and require repairs over time, so it is critical to inspect them on a regular basis to ensure they are working to their full potential. Gutter maintenance needs frequent inspections. Your gutter system should survive for years if you keep them debris free and ensure that the gutter system is still sturdy.
5. Apply caulk to major areas in your home
Caulk is an essential component in every bathroom or kitchen. It keeps water from getting into places it should not be. Caulk, on the other hand, is frequently one of those things that we set and forget. You can look for some telltale signs that you may need to recaulk your sink or bathtub. Some signs to look out for are peeling, cracking, and missing pieces. Peeling and splitting allow moisture to become trapped behind the caulking, potentially causing mold or water damage. This might also indicate that the present caulk was not suitable for the task. When it comes to kitchens and bathrooms, it’s critical to use a waterproof caulk. Another sign to look for is the buildup of mold or mildew. Mold creates a variety of issues as it can aggravate allergies, damage your home, and just look unappealing. Mold thrives in moist surroundings, so bathrooms and kitchens are ideal places for it to grow. If you find mold or mildew in your bathroom, you should inspect your caulk. One of its functions is to keep mold from growing between the tub, sink, or shower and the wall or floor. Even though the tub and wall appear to be snugly fit, moisture can sneak in-between surfaces and cause mold to thrive without the protective barrier of waterproof caulk. You can easily replace caulk around your home with simple tools from the hardware store and proper application. This simple preventative measure can easily prevent water damage.
Therefore, regardless of the origin of the water damage, you may utilize all of these tips to help prevent the chance of bursting pipes, water damage, and flooding in your house. Preventative actions will help you avoid or reduce the likelihood of this severe damage from ever occurring.