How to Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Water damage is a commonly filed insurance claim for homeowners. A typical bill for water damage can run into the thousands. The good news is that you can take some measures to protect your home from water damage. These are some steps you can take today to minimise the chances of water damage.

Common Signs of Water Damage

● Burst pipes or leaks
● Appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers are not working correctly.
● Cracks in walls
● Drainage issues.
● Damp walls.
● Extreme weather

Check Household Appliances

You should check your hoses that lead to household appliances annually, such as dishwashers, washing machines and fridges. Check them for any cracks or leaks. Hoses should be replaced on average every 5-7 years to reduce the risk of any damage.

Don’t Run Water Appliances on Overnight

It may seem convenient to run the dishwasher or washing machine overnight. It may cause more harm than good. You won’t know if there’s a leak or problem with your appliances until the morning. By then, there could be significant water damage to your home.

Check Showers

Ensure that the seals around your shower and bathtub are watertight. We have seen numerous times water damage as a result of the seals not being watertight. Water could be dripping for a long time until you see the full damage it has caused.

Clean Gutters

It is recommended to clean your gutters at least twice a year. Cleaning your gutter can avoid any blockages or ice dams. Roofs or gutters can be damaged by standing water.

Look For Mould or Moisture

You should keep your eyes out for moisture, which you may find if you see flaking paint or wallpaper. Flaking paint is a sign of dampness. If there’s a smell or the wall is cold, you should assess if measures such as increased insulation are required. If your windows have condensation in the mornings, it may be a sign that the moisture levels in your home are above average.

Leaks from Toilets

If you have a leaky toilet, it can waste a considerable amount of water. To check if your toilets are leaking by a few drops of food colouring in the water storage tank, watch for a few minutes. If this colour appears in the bowl, you have a leak. You should then repair the toilet, and it will save you money and the potential issue of water damage.

For Water or Flood Damage Restoration, Call Tersus

Tersus’ rapid response helps reduce the occurrence of secondary losses. We can handle all of your drying needs, no matter the scope and scale.

Take a look at our Flood & Water Damage services, where we explain how we work. Here you will see before and after photos of houses we’ve worked on.

Contact us here today or call us on 0818 333 354.