7 Home Improvement Tips to Prevent Water Damage

The phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth of pound of cure” was once famously said by Benjamin Franklin when a fire threatened homes in Philadelphia. The same phrase rings true to this day for a variety of disasters, including water damage. 

Homeowners often overlook some very basic home improvement and maintenance tips that can prevent a costly water damage cleanup. Whether it's because they are too busy or don’t have the extra money in their budget, it’s important that homeowners prioritize these tasks because they can save a lot of time and money down the road. After all, it could take several weeks or months and thousands of dollars to complete a water damage restoration.

Want to learn more about how to prevent the disaster from happening? Check out these seven simple home improvement tips.

Inspect & Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

Gutter systems are designed to redirect the flow of rainwater away from a home. They keep water from flowing down through the siding, and they also stop water from pooling around the foundation. However, gutters can easily get clogged or damaged. When this happens, water damage is more likely to occur. 

Therefore, it’s important that homeowners inspect and clean their gutters regularly. If any damage is spotted, it should be addressed right away. Homeowners can even install gutter guards as an extra preventative step.

Use Fans and Dehumidifiers in High-Moisture Areas

Some rooms in the home are more prone to excess moisture than others. Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are some of the most common areas that people struggle with. Over time, the excess moisture in the air and condensation can lead to water damage. Some homeowners might not even notice the damage until they detect a mold or mildew odor.

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to prevent water damage in these high-moisture areas of the home. Installing fans and dehumidifiers can make a huge difference. A bathroom exhaust fan is particularly helpful for removing moisture after hot showers leave the room filled with steam. 

Install Sump Pumps or Backflow Valves

Some water damage events are beyond a homeowner's control, but that doesn’t mean that steps can’t be taken to prevent a water damage cleanup. For example, heavy rains or a sewage pump backup can cause water to flood a home, but if homeowners install sump pumps and backflow valves, they can minimize or stop the water from entering into the home. Even if a home already has these devices, they should regularly be checked and maintained to ensure their effectiveness.

Install Mesh Drain Strainers

A simple and inexpensive project that homeowners can DIY is installing a mess strainer in their drains. Adding this component can keep hair and other debris from getting clogged in sinks, bathtubs, and showers. The strainer can simply be removed, and any solids that it catches can be emptied into the garbage.

Inspect & Maintain Plumbing Fixtures

Many people are guilty of forgetting about their plumbing until there is a problem, but this is another area of the home where preventative maintenance can go a long way. It’s recommended that homeowners get their plumbing inspected by a professional every couple of years. This can help to catch any issues with connections, pipes, and appliances before they lead to leaks.

Grade Landscaping

Some homes may struggle with water pooling around the foundation if the grade of the yard slopes downward towards the home. Eventually, this can lead to flooding inside the home, especially if the foundation has weak spots. The best way to stop this from happening is to grade the landscaping so that the yard slopes downward away from the home. This step may require some excavation, but it can stop a basement from flooding.

Repair or Replace Damaged Roof

Finally, it's important that homeowners invest in their roofs. If the roof is older, it might be time for some repairs or replacements. While repairs might seem like the cheaper option upfront, a complete replacement typically offers a better return on investment since it lasts longer. If the roof is newer and sustained some damage from a storm, repairs might be all that is necessary to stop the roof from leaking. 

Request a Professional Water Damage Cleanup 

Missed out on the chance to prevent water damage from happening? Don’t stress! DRYOUTpro PLUS, INC. is here to help homeowners struggling with disasters of all types. Contact the professionals today to request a fast and efficient water damage cleanup. 

The contractors are available 24/7 for emergency services, so homeowners can pick up the phone and call any time of day or night. They also can submit the simple online contact form to request a free quote for less urgent matters.