Preventing a water disaster in your home!

There are countless perks to being a homeowner. But let's face it. There's some BIG responsibilities that come with it. One of those responsibilities is being financially responsible for any damage to your home. The thought of having water damage to your home, whether it's from a roof leak or an indoor source, is the stuff of nightmares for most homeowners. did you know that there are types of water leaks, with some being far more costly to clean up? The easiest is clean water (leaky faucet, water heater, etc), next is grey water that might have come into contact with harmful substances or chemicals (such as a dishwasher leak), and the worst is appropriately named black water (which includes polluted or contaminated water- such as the toilet). The average water damage restoration cost is between $20,000 to $100,000. That's right- 6 figures worth of water damage repair costs is "normal" yikes!  So what can homeowners do to prevent these costly repairs? Here are 9 ways to protect your home from a water disaster!

1.) Have a reputable insurance policy and solid policy! 

     When you are looking at your flooded home, is not the time to find out you skimped in the insurance policy department. Or that you can't seem to reach your adjustor. It pays to be well protected, especially when it comes to your most valuable asset (your home). 

2.) Check those hoses!

     It's essential to periodically check the hoses, pipes faucets, both in and out outside your home. This includes pipes under the bathroom sink, the fridge and washing machine hoses, etc. The most common appliances that spring a leak are sinks, toilets, dishwashers, ice makers, washing machines and showers. 

3.) Respect that roof! 

     Checking your roof 2x per year is essential to being able to spot & quickly repair any damaged shingles BEFORE the water damage occurs. 

4.) Keep an eye on the water bill!

     The telltale signs of a leak is a sudden increase in that water bill. If the increase was unexpected, start to investigate ASAP.

5.) Check for signs of damage! 

     Signs of water damage include black specks, a moldy smell, cracked caulk, discoloration on a wall or ceiling, and soggy flooring. 

6.) Clean gutters & downspouts!

     Keeping those gutters clean ensures that water drains away from your home and roof. This includes making sure the downspout is clear, so water moves away from your home. 

7.) Watch that water heater!

     As you can imagine with water in the name this is another common appliance to leak. Keeping up on annual HVAC maintenance will ensure it stays in top shape. 

8.) Install water alarms!

     Work smarter not harder. Let our smart technology help keep your home safe, whether you are home or away. Water sensors can be bought off Amazon and at Target, and can alert you though sound AND on your smart phone. How cool is that?!

9.) Have an emergency plan!

     When water is flooding your downstairs is not the time to figure out how to shut off water. Know how to shut off water at the pipe level and from the main shutoff. Also use a list app on your phone to make for a house emergency. Include your insurance company's name and policy number, a local plumber, water mediation company, and electrician. 

If you need any referrals for a local company for insurance, plumbing, electrician water or water mediation, just give our team a call. We are YOUR home resource.

Liz