Preventative Measures To Help Keep Your House Dry

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

If your San Antonio home experiences water damage, call the team in green! (210) 973-7636

Water damage can occur in homes in a variety of ways. It is important that San Antonio homeowners check their house for leaks by inspecting pipes and connections in the kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms. When checking in the kitchen, don’t forget to check connections to dishwashers, and refrigerators with water and ice dispensers. Look under and around sinks, and around bathtubs for any discoloration, which may be a sign that water is leaking from them.

Check the floors around your water heater for moist or wet spots. Areas of moisture could indicate that you have a problem, such as a rusted tank. If necessary, replace the tank as soon as possible.

Make sure water is flowing properly down drains. If water drains slowly or not at all, you can attempt to clear the drain with a drain snake, plunger, or drain-clearing solution. If your attempt to unclog it yourself is unsuccessful, call a professional for further assistance. This may be an indication that your main sewer line is clogged and that water has nowhere to go. If ignored, sewage can backup into your home.

To keep drains and pipes clear, follow some simple steps, such as never flushing diapers and other inappropriate items down toilets and not pouring cooking oils down sink drains. In addition, backflow valves should be installed in sanitary and storm sewer lines.

A leak in the roof of your home and clogged gutters and downspouts can cause significant water damage inside your house. As soon as you notice a leak in your roof, tarp over it if need be, then have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible. In addition, keep all gutters and downspouts free of leaves and other debris so that the water can move away from your home and foundation.

Owners of properties located in areas prone to flooding should consider applying a waterproof coating or membrane to the exterior walls and installing watertight shields over doors, windows and other openings.

To ensure that pipes do not freeze and burst in the winter, cover exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping, keep the heat in your home at or above 55°F, and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Letting water trickle from the faucet can help prevent pipes from freezing. Don’t forget to insulate any pipes you have in the attic that may be prone to freezing.

SERVPRO of Helotes and Leon Springs is always here to help! Call (210) 973-7636 for all your mitigation, remediation, and restoration needs!