Summer is the perfect time to soak up the sun, take vacations, and go on weekend getaways. Though the season is full of fun, it is more expensive due to the rise in electricity bills from AC units having to run more. On top of the added expenses, you don’t want your summer plans ruined due to unwanted water damage in your home. Here are some tips on how to prevent water damage to your home this summer.
Check Appliances
Do regular checks on your appliances that use water to make sure they are in proper working condition and do not have any leaks. These leaks could go unnoticed for some time and cause water damage to your home You must check both the lines and the hardware for any signs that the connections are starting to become worn out.
Know Your Water Main Location
Faucet drips & leaks could cause damage to your home after being left for some time. Before you leave for vacation, you may want to locate and turn off your main water line. This can help prevent you from coming home to unwanted water damage from dripping or leaking faucets.
Check Hoses
People tend to use their watering hoses more in the summer to protect their plants from the heat. Hoses can leak inside your home causing water damage. Make sure to completely turn off your hose after using it. It’s also smart to set timers on your phone to help remind yourself to turn off the running water or to move it to the next plant.
Maintain Your Vegetation
Try to minimize planting vegetation near water pipes. Roots of trees or bushes could eventually grow and wrap around these water pipes and cause issues. Also, be sure to trim and keep your trees and plants well-trimmed and off your house. Big branches can fall on your home causing damage, and they can also rub on your shingle roof wearing out the shingles and underlayment leaving your home susceptible to water damage from the next major rainstorm.
Clean Downspouts & Gutters
Your downspouts and gutters should be cleaned out in preparation for upcoming storms. Standing water in your downspouts and gutters could cause water damage to your roof and even leave you open to creating an environment conducive to mold growth in the attic space. The professional painters in Jupiter, FL say that power washing your downspouts and gutters is an easy way to clean them out. Plus, power washing leaves a clean surface for a future paint job!
Check Washing Machine Hoses
Old, cracking washing machine hoses can cause water leakage and water damage in your house. Check the hoses to ensure they are in good condition, if not, replace them immediately to avoid water damage.
Check Your Water Pressure
It may be helpful to get a water pressure gage to measure the water pressure running through the water systems in your house. Most residential water systems run water pressures between 40-70psi. If your water pressure is too high, it can put added stress on pipes and could cause a pipe to burst. This could lead to flooding and or water damage.
Monitor Your Water Bill
If your water bill significantly increases from one month to the next with no explanation, that could be a clue to a water leakage somewhere around your home. Make sure you know what your average water bill is and keep an eye out for any drastic changes that occur.
These tips were provided by Good Times Restoration – an Arizona Restoration company that strives to give the best information to customers about our process of restoring your home after a major leak or flood but also to give you good DIY projects to improve your home and how-to blogs on certain home improvement projects. Please visit our site for more information www.GoodTimesRestoration.com
