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Water Damage and How to Prevent It

People generally do not check regularly for potential causes of water damage until after it occurs. This is unfortunate, as it doesn’t take much time or effort to spot-check your home in order to detect potential problems and sort them out before they become more serious.

Water Main

One of the first places to check is your water main. The test is simple: first, turn off all water for one hour in the house behind the meter. If there is activity on the meter at a time that no water is being used, you may have a leak. It is unnecessary to remain by the meter; simply record the reading, don't use any water for an hour, and check it again.

Leaks

There are many ways to prevent water leaks. Some can be self-performed, while others may require the assistance of a plumber. A simple prevention point is caulking around sinks regularly to prevent damage. Another place to caulk is in showers or bathtubs, where the tile meets the edge of tub. Slow drainage in sinks or showers is an indication that there may be blockage. Periodically check the pipes under the sinks for leaks or water stains.

Prevention

Every basement should be equipped with a working sump pump. If your home tends to be prone to water damage or excessively high humidity, invest in a water alarm, which will detect a level of moisture within the home and alert the homeowner when it senses the moisture. Water damage has the potential to completely ruin a home, but with a little vigilance, this can be prevented.

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