Tips for Preventing Water Damage

Water damage can lead to big problems for your house.  It is the number one culprit that weakens the foundation of your house.  The foundation is the very core that holds your house together and it is imperative that it not be tampered with. Just as well as it weakens your house’s structural integrity, damp wood can invite termites and carpenter ants and cause mold, asbestos, and mildew problems.  There are three easy things that you can do to prevent water damage restoration the next time a big storm comes your way.

Ensure Good Drainage

Poor drainage can weaken your foundation, cause cracks, and create uneven settling that can provide pathways for water to enter your home.  You are going to need to clean your gutters on the regular so that water can properly flow down the gutters into the proper drains or else it will overflow and send cascades of water down the side of your house, which will damage your siding and foundation.  You are going to want to make sure that the spouts of the gutter direct water five to 10 feet away from your house.  As well you are going to want to make sure that your yard is sloped at least 6 inches and not flat.  This is so that the slope of the yard can prevent water from getting right next to your foundation and settling which can cause walls to lean and crack the masonry which causes leaks.

Test Your Sump Pump Regularly

Sump pumps are vital to draining water properly during storms and you do not want to find out during the middle of a storm that yours is not working properly.  The following is how you will want to test your sump pump.

1. You are going to want to slowly fill the sump pump pit with water.  You are going to watch the float, which is similar to the one in your toilet, to rise which then turns on the pump.  Next you should see the water level falling.
2. Test your backup pump the same way, but make sure to unplug the main pump first.
3. If you are on municipal water and do not have a backup pump or generator, you are going to want to get one that runs on water pressure.  If you are on well wate, your only option is the battery kind.

Check for Water Leaks and Fix Them

Leaks can cause the most damage often leading to mold, mildew, rot, termites, or carpenter ants.  You’re going to want to check   for dark spots under your pipes inside sink cabinets, stains on your ceiling, toilets that rock back and forts, and drips from your roof.  At least once a year you should definitely check your roof and repair and missing, loose, or damaged shingles.  Make sure to repair any cracked caulking and check for leaks around flashing.

By taking these steps to preventing water damage you will save yourself a lot of time, grief, and money.  However, if even after these steps you still find your house has been the victim of water damage, you can call companies such as Calgary Water & Flood who can come to your house and fix any problems that persist, making your house safe for everyone.