As a new homeowner, there are many new responsibilities to consider that you may not have had to worry about before – a mortgage, upkeep of home systems and appliances, utility bills, etc. One more crucial item to add to your list is protecting your new home from water damage. You’ve spent hours of time, energy and money into homeowner and the last thing you want is to deal with the effects of residential water damage. Here are a few ways you can help prevent water damage in your home. 

Conduct regular home inspection checks

Catch water leaks or burst pipes early on, by regularly checking inside and outside of your home for signs of water. On a monthly basis, check the plumbing lines inside of your home for sounds of running water, signs of leaking pipes, or unusual texture changes to walls, floors, or ceilings. If you suspect any issues, call your local plumber immediately. In addition, it’s important to check for any areas on the outside of your home that may let water in – i.e., cracks in the roof, windows, etc. 

Clean your gutters regularly

Rain gutters are an unexpected source of water damage and may often be overlooked. However, clogged gutters may cause overflowing water to pool and seep into the roof or the foundation below, causing cracks and sometimes even structural damage over time. Cleaning your rain gutters on a regular basis during those wet, rainy months will help ensure rainwater is properly flowing away from your home and not causing any blockages or buildup.

Leverage your smart devices

Many new homes are now equipped with smart water sensors that help you detect water leaks early. These sensors are able to monitor your water usage, flow, pressure, and temperature to detect leaks and use emergency shut-off valves if necessary. Whether you’re home or away, you can set up notifications that are sent right to your phone to let you know if and when a leak occurs or if your appliances are malfunctioning. This is a great way to keep an eye on smart home appliances like washers, fridges, and dishwashers that are often a source of residential water damage. Stop water damage before it happens with smart water leak detectors. 

Perform regular appliance check-ups

Did you know household water damage from leaking appliances cost Americans up to $20 billion annually? The top sources of water damage in the home include leaks from hot water heaters, HVAC systems, refrigerators, and dishwashers. It’s crucial to keep up with regular maintenance checks and tune-ups for these household appliances to help minimize the chances of water leaks that can eventually lead to water damage.  

Maintain your outdoor landscaping

When you think of sources of water damage, you’re probably thinking of leaky faucets or flooding from a storm. But one aspect of the home that is often overlooked by homeowners can be found right in their own backyard (or front yard!). Unkept landscaping can be a source of potential water damage due to overgrown trees or shrubs with branches or roots that grow in or around plumbing pipes. With enough pressure, these pipes will eventually leak or burst. That’s why regular lawn upkeep is not only important for aesthetics but for safety too!

Call a Water Damage Expert Today

Need for information or tips on what to do should a water damage incident happen? No worries, we got you! When it comes to water damage, Dry Kings Restoration is here to help you every step of the way. Give us a call today at (415) 429-6281 for more information.