Water damage is among the main reasons homeowners usually claim insurance every year. According to the Insurance Information Institute, these claims averaged $11,650 from 2016 to 2020.
Interior flooding caused by broken pipes or an old water heater will not only ruin your possessions but might also take a long time until your home is fully restored and free of moisture and mold growth.
Floods like this can be devastating and stressful. And yet they are not the only reason for water damage in a home. Emergency plumbers know that small leaks and minor issues can cause significant damage over time if not remedied immediately.
Luckily, preventing these problems does not have to be costly or time-consuming. Below you will find several tips on preventing water damage in your home in Lighthouse Point, FL.
Install Leak Detectors
In the average household, leaks can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water a year. Not only do they affect your water bill, water leaks often go undetected for a long time and cause extensive damage to a house’s structure.
Leak detection systems will notify you if there is a leak in the plumbing system. Some devices can be attached to a pipe, monitor the water flow, and sound an alarm when the flow is higher than usual.
Other systems need to be installed by an emergency plumber. Also called whole-house systems, these devices will not only alert you of a possible leak but can also automatically shut off the water main and interrupt the water flow to specific appliances.
Leak detectors might not be able to detect all leaks, especially small ones. Therefore, you might still need an emergency plumber for leak detection, as they usually have special equipment. You can also check for leaks by looking for damp and moist areas in your house, blistering or bubbling paint, or green patches in your yard.
Maintain Your Sump Pump
Sump pumps are usually installed in basements and are especially helpful in flood-prone places. They automatically pump out water when the water level reaches a certain point.
Some sump pumps have battery backup systems to keep them working should the power go out during a storm. Regularly check the pump to ensure it works and remove any debris that could clog it.
Get a Backflow Valve
An emergency plumber might also recommend installing backflow valves for drains, sinks, and toilets. These valves prevent wastewater from coming back into your home.
Take Care of the Plumbing System
Your emergency plumber would tell you that fats, grease, and non-flushable items cause most clogs and blockages in a home. Many of these problems could be avoided by following a few simple tips.
Not pouring fats down the drain and not using flushable wipes are just some things that will help your home’s plumbing system last longer. Calling an emergency plumber instead of trying to fix things yourself is another way to avoid unnecessary problems with the plumbing. Most DIYers do not have the tools and skills to do plumbing repair or installation properly, thus worsening the situation.
Appliances like water heaters and washing machines must be regularly serviced to keep them running more efficiently. Washing machine supply hoses are a common reason for inside flooding.
A simple way to prevent water damage is to only turn on the water valves when washing clothes. Check for loose connections, rust, and signs of leakage. Most manufacturers recommend replacing hoses after every five years. Have your emergency plumber replace supply hoses or pipes with more durable types.
Shut Off the Water When Away
Turn off the main water valve when you go on vacation or are gone for more than two days. Should a pipe burst or something fail, the water damage will be minimal and won’t be able to spread to other places.
Don’t Ignore Irrigation Systems
Sprinklers and garden hoses need to be checked regularly. Excessive wear and tear and exposure to fluctuating temperatures cause irrigation systems to wear out faster. Be sure to check for leaks that could damage the walls and foundation of your house.
Only Run Water Consuming Appliances When at Home
Run dishwashers and washing machines only when you are at home. Should a pipe burst or something else happen, you will be there to respond quickly before the damage spreads.
Prevent Pipe Freezing and Bursts
Frozen pipes are more likely to burst and cause damage. Ensure all exposed pipes are correctly insulated, including pipes in crawl spaces, the basement, garage, and attic. Do not shut off the heating if you are leaving for vacation during winter, and drain all outside faucets.
If your area experiences harsh winters, you might need an emergency plumber to come and perform a winter check to ensure the plumbing system is ready for the cold.
You might want to invest in freeze-protection devices. Some of these will shut off the water if the temperatures drop too low. Other systems can trigger the heating system to maintain a moderate temperature.
MainLine Plumbing Can Help You Prevent Water Damage in Your Home
At MainLine Plumbing, we take great care to ensure our customers in Lighthouse Point, FL are getting the best plumbing service they can find. We have a team of expert plumbers licensed and insured with many years of combined experience.
Our emergency plumbers are available round the clock and will come to your aid even on weekends and holidays. Our plumbing services include drain cleaning, garbage disposals, water heater installation, backflow prevention, leak detection, and sewer repair. Instead of waiting for plumbing issues to catch you by surprise, contact MainLine Plumbing today for the best plumbers in Lighthouse Point, FL.
Author Bio:
Andrew Dilaurenzio
The primary contact at Mainline Plumbing Service, you can contact Mainline Plumbing Service by phone using this number 954-466-9803. They provide 100% guaranteed customer service. They do it all. Water heaters, sewer camera video inspection, drain cleaning, slab leak repairs, leak detection, sewer line repairs, and much more.