Prevent Water Damage

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

Imagine that you've just arrived back to your Scottsdale home after a vacation with your family. You're relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to get back to the grind. As soon as you step into your home, you see that the floor is completely soaked. No one wants to see their home turned into a swimming pool. You are now in emergency mode and have no idea what to do. How much will this cost? Who do I call? What do I do? Most insurance policies cover basic water damage claims but still, going through this process can be very time consuming, stressful and exhausting. We put together some tips we thought would be helpful to help you avoid this type of ordeal all together. Here are some helpful tips to prevent water damage in your Scottsdale home.

1. Clean Out Roof Gutters

Make sure to clean your gutters out, especially during monsoon season. You want to avoid blockages as standing water can cause damage to your gutters and roof. Eventually, the water collecting in the gutters can trickle down causing unmanaged overflows which could potentially damage the foundation of your home.

2. Understand Your Water Main

Know where to locate your water main so if a situation arises where you need to shut it off, you know where and how to do so. Also, if you’re planning on leaving your home for an extended period, it would be wise to shut off the water to avoid any leaks that could potentially happen while you’re away.

3. Check Appliances Regularly

Be sure to inspect appliances such as your dishwasher, refrigerator, water heater and toilets to ensure that they are not leaking. If you notice excess moisture accumulating, be sure to have it inspected and fixed right away. Do not put it on hold.

4. Check Your Water Bill

Your home is riddled with water pipes which are hidden in the walls and floors. You may not know there is a leak until it’s too late. What you can do is check your water bill each month and make note of any noticeable changes or increases you’re seeing. If your water bill is high and you haven’t increased your water usage, chances are that there is a water leak somewhere.

5. Use a Drain Snake

You may notice when your shower or sink is clogged and is taking a long time to drain. When this happens, avoid using liquid drain cleaners as the harsh chemicals can eat away at the pipes which, in the long run, can be pretty damaging to your pipes. Instead, take the safer route and invest in an inexpensive drain snake which you can find at your local home improvement store. The drain snake is an excellent tool in helping you clear clogged drains.

These are just a few tips we suggest for preventing water damage in your home. But if you do happen to encounter water damage, give SERVPRO of Scottsdale a call at (480) 998-7989. We are always here to help 24/7.