Water is essential for human life, but this same life-giving water can damage your home if you are not able to control it within your home. Floods are a natural phenomenon that you cannot control, but even here it is possible to be prepared for the consequences and lessen the damage it can cause your home.
Besides flooding, water damage in a home can come from leaking roofs, burst water pipes, choked and overflowing drains and basements that are not adequately waterproofed. Water damage can have severe financial consequences, and it, therefore, makes sense always to take measures that prevent such harm from occurring.
Be always informed about the condition of the pipes and other water carrying devices in your home and property. To be warned about floods, always heed storm warnings and take measures that can mitigate any flooding. Make sure that any sump pumps you have installed in your basement are always functional. Check on their batteries if you have such power arrangements in place. Make sure that your roof gutters are always clear of debris so that any accumulation of water on the roof cannot cause damage by leaking. If your property has drains and water outlets nearby make sure they are always clear and not blocked. Ensure that any water that comes from rain or snow melt drains away from the home and never touches the walls.
Keep a close watch on your water bill and if you notice any increase, it may be due to leakages in pipes, that may not be visible Make it a practice to examine your roof at regular intervals and definitely after every storm. This action will help you to spot cracked or broken tiles or shingle that can lead to leaks that can damage your home. If you have a sprinkler system installed, make sure that the water supply can get cut off entirely from the system. A leaking sprinkler system can also lead to water damage and prevent your garden from getting the required water while the leak itself may lead to water damage to walls and other structures.
Make sure that your home insurance policy has a provision for water damage. This coverage may cost you a little more, bit it is well worth the price. In case you do suffer water damage, the insurance policy should cover your costs for repairs, which are better carried out by engaging professional restoration companies that restore homes after water damage.