The list of errands and maintenance tasks for homeowners is never-ending. It always seems that when one job is complete, two more are added to the bottom of the list. However, when it comes to potential causes of water damage, you’ll want to shuffle these chores to the top of the list. Here are five quick fixes that can avoid expensive water damage issues later.
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Closing Windows Before You Leave the House
Hurricanes and tornadoes can cause devastating damage to everything in their wake. However, leaving a window open during an unexpected summer rainstorm can cause significant damage, especially if left unattended. Heat and water are also the ideal breeding ground for mold, which can infiltrate soft furnishings, drywall, and ceilings and result in the need for expensive renovations.
Replacing Older Water Heaters
Old water heaters keep plumbers and water damage consultants in the business. In fact, when obtaining home insurance quotes, a common inquiry will be about the age, installation, and service record for your home’s water heaters. You should flush your water heater annually; however, if your water heaters were installed eight years ago or more, it might be time to consider replacing them. In addition to avoiding potential water damage, you could see monthly savings on your electricity bill with a more efficient tank.
Forgetting to Clean the Gutters
Climbing ladders, working at heights, and having your hands filled with rotting muck and leaves is not how most of us want to spend our weekends. However, one of the simplest ways to forgo water damage is to keep your gutters free from debris. Clogged gutters pool water towards your home rather than away from it, which is the opposite of what you want. This can wreak havoc on your ceilings, foundations, floors, and your deck or outdoor furnishings.
Running Air Conditioners Unattended
We are all guilty of leaving air conditioners running unattended on a hot summer’s day when the thought of returning to a sweltering home is too much to bear. While the water generated from leaking water is relatively clean and devoid of contaminants.
Unlike the gray water from a leaking dishwasher or black water from sewage systems, clean water is simpler to mop up. However, it can still cause a lot of damage to carpets, walls, and anything at floor level, especially if left unattended.
Knowing Appropriate Fire Safety
A small grease fire in your kitchen can be swiftly put out with a pot lid or fire blanket without causing significant damage. Even a larger grease fire is containable with a Class B fire extinguisher meant to smother the flames. However, if you try to put out a grease fire with water, you will very likely enable the fire to spread, leading to both fire and water damage to your home. Knowing appropriate fire safety can ensure small fires don’t turn into overwhelming disasters.
Not all water damage is avoidable, so it is vital to carry the appropriate insurance. However, if you follow these five quick fixes, you are far less likely to need to use your insurance policy and can minimize the risk before it causes devastating damage.
