Severe water damage is one of the most expensive disasters you may have to deal with as a homeowner. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to help protect a home from water damage. You can use your home insurance policy to insure against different types of water damage. You are generally covered if your pipes burst, ice dams form on your roof, and wind-aided rain causes damage. Regular rainfall damage is also covered by your policy. You can contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to cover your property against water that comes upward and causes damage. You'll also need extra coverage if your sewer and drain back up.
The following are a few tips to protect your home from water damage.
As you look at ways to prevent rainwater from entering your house, remember that proper maintenance around your home is important. Make sure that your basement is properly sealed. Water often leaks into the basement because of cracks in the foundation. If you think that the floors and walls are starting to erode, add water sealant to prevent leakage. Also, make sure that the rainwater is flowing away from your home.
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Check Your Indoor Plumbing Systems
Check all the hoses around your home. Consider adding a water leak monitoring system. You will be notified immediately if there are any leakage issues. Replace everything within a regular time frame of five years. Replace the hoses immediately if you notice any cracks. Add caulking to your shower and make sure everything is watertight. Make sure that you know where to locate the main water valve in your home. Shutting off the water valve quickly can prevent a damaged hose from causing severe damage. During winter, install an emergency valve in your plumbing system. You may need to add a backwater valve. A backwater valve allows sewage to leave your home without coming back in.
Caulk and seal your windows to protect your home from heavy rain. Inspect your roof every year. Check for any damaged shingles. You should also check the downspouts to make sure excess debris is not clogging the passage. Regularly examine your sprinklers and irrigation systems. You can also add gutter guards to make sure that water flows away from your home.
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Take Care of Your Personal Items
Make sure that all the items that you store in your basement are placed in waterproof bins. Do not place any valuable items in an area prone to leakage. It is recommended that you place the items on a shelf. Make sure that you take inventory of your personal items.
Other Things to Consider
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Handle Water Leaks Promptly
If you don't take care of water leaks promptly, mold will start to develop around your home. If the mold spreads, it can cause serious health risks. If you notice dark spots around your home, seek professional help immediately.
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Ensure Seasonal Maintenance
Clean your gutters during the fall and winter. This will help reduce the risk of a leak due to buildup on the roof. The water should drain off your building each month.
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Check for Clogged Toilets
If your toilet gets clogged, turn off the water source and remove the blockage. Consider hiring a professional to check your toilet every six months to make sure that it is functioning properly.
If you notice a sudden spike in your water bill, that is a sign that there is an active leak somewhere. Seek help before the damage becomes more severe.
There are a few different things that you can do to help protect a home from water damage. Performing regular maintenance can help save you time, money, and stress. Contact the experts at
Fuller Insurance today in Southern California to learn more about getting the appropriate coverage for your needs.
