4 Things you can do to Prevent Water Damage

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Here are 4 steps you can take today to prevent water damage to your home, courtesy of State Farm:

1. Replace deteriorated caulk around sinks, and check the pipes under the sink for leaks. A slow-draining pipe may indicate a partially blocked drain that needs cleaning.
2. Check hoses regularly for bulging, cracking, fraying, and leaks around hose ends. Replace the hose if a problem is found or every 3 to 5 years as part of a proactive maintenance program. To help make sure the hose doesn’t kink, leave at least 4 inches (or 11 centimeters) between the water connection and the back of the washing machine.
3. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it. Check it frequently for problems, and shut off the water if you are away from your home for several days or longer.
4. Keep the roof free from leaves, twigs, and other litter to allow proper drainage. Clogged gutters can easily lead to poor drainage, which in turn can lead to leaks in both the walls and at the foundation. Also, replace missing, curling, cupping, broken, or cracked shingles.