How to Prevent Water Damage
Updated February 15th, 2023
Just because we are experiencing a much milder winter this year than last year, that doesn’t mean residents should let their guards down when it comes to preventing water damage in their homes. Here are six ways Boise residents can protect their homes from possible water damage during the winter and spring.
1. Check Showers and Tubs. Seal and caulking on showers and tubs don’t typically last forever, even if they’re done correctly. Take the time to check your home’s tubs and showers, and even sinks, to see if there are any broken seals or caulking that need to be replaced. It’s an inexpensive, do-it-yourself job that can save you a lot of time and money if there is a major water leak in your home.
2. Roof Check-Up. A leaky roof can lead to mold and rot…and no one wants that! Inspect your roof for possible leaks, and make necessary repairs when the weather is decent. This will save you from having to make costly repairs later down the road.
3. Know How to Shut off the Water Supply. It’s important to know where your home’s main water valve is so that if a pipe bursts while you’re at home, you can turn the water off quickly, preventing further damage. It’s also wise to know how to shut off your water if you’re going on any long trips in the winter or rainy months of the year. Shut off your water before you go on a trip so that if there’s any cold weather while you’re away, you won’t have to worry about frozen or bursting pipes.
4. Protect Property. Keep your valuable possessions (such as important documents or cherished family photos) in waterproof storage containers off the ground. In the event of flooding or other water damage, making this effort ahead of time almost always ensures the safety of your belongings. It’s also wise to take inventory of valuable possessions. In the event you need to make an insurance claim, it’s vital to have proper documentation.
5. Clear Rain Gutters. It’s important to keep your rain gutters cleaned out and pointed away from your home, so water doesn’t pool at the base of your home’s foundation, which can lead to water damage or flooding. It’s also important because water runoff can lead to roof or attic damage, causing mold and mildew that may go undetected for a long time.
6. Check Home’s Foundation. Make sure water can’t enter your home from anywhere outside through the foundation. If water pools at your home’s base, it could potentially get inside if the ground around the perimeter doesn’t slope away from the house. Large puddles of water that can’t sink into the ground eventually will end up somewhere, and you don’t want it to be your basement.
These are just some of the ways you can protect your Pocatello home from possible water damage this winter and in the years to come. If you ever do experience water or flood damage, however, don’t hesitate to call us here at Elite Restoration. We offer 24-hour emergency response all year long with a 1 hour or less response time, and can help you throughout the entire process of restoring your home back to its original state!