Water Damage Prevention

Flooded Carpet: Could this damage have been prevented?Catastrophic events sometimes take us by surprise, but it's always best to plan ahead as much as possible. As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure."  Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to help reduce the chance of a water damage emergency.

Household

• Shut off your water before you go out of town. Many people don't think about this during the summer months, but you don't want to be in Boise when your ice maker line bursts in Indianapolis.
• Watch for water stains, rust, and lime deposits around the house. These are signs that there may be water leaking somewhere, and you never know when that small leak will become a gushing fountain.
• Check your washing machine supply hoses periodically. You want to ensure that there is a secure connection, that the rubber washers are not cracked or brittle, and that the hoses aren't cracked or bulging. You may also want to consider replacing rubber hoses with more durable braided metal.

Basement

• Check your sump pump often, particularly during heavy rains and when the water table is high. You want to be sure that it has power, that there are no obstructions in the sump pit, and that the float switch is able to move freely.
• If your sump pump is old, or you find that it isn't functioning the way it should, have it replaced. Hire a licensed plumber if you aren't sure you can install it correctly yourself.
• Use an alarm to detect water intrusion near your sump pump. There are many different varieties available including some battery powered models. Some water alarms even connect to your home security system to alert you to problems.
• Use a battery back up on your sump pump. You don't want to be left without your sump pump in the event of a power outage.

If you have any questions about these prevention tips, or any others, give us a call. We're happy to help!