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San Antonio, Texas, is among the most flood-prone areas in North America. The city has experienced 129 flood events from 1993 to 2014 that totaled $14,694,785 in property damage.
But while hurricanes and floods cause overwhelming water damage in San Antonio North, it pays to remember that there are other causes to consider. For example, leaks in pipes, clogged gutters, and malfunctioning appliances can also allow water to wreak havoc on homes.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself and your property from the stress, mess, and expenses of residential water damage. Take note of these water damage prevention tips to steer clear of avertable disasters and keep your home in good condition.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Especially if you have trees and shrubs nearby, your gutters will inevitably fill with dried leaves, stems, and other debris. Failing to remove these materials regularly can clog your roof drainage system, which then causes water to pool on your roof and cause all sorts of problems. The excess water can either cause ice dams in winter or flow over the edges and land close to your foundation in other months.
This is why it’s a good practice to clean your gutters at least twice a year. Ensuring your downspouts drain water from the roof and away from your house also helps. Maintaining these two structures goes a long way in avoiding significant water damage in San Antonio North.
Know Where Your Water Main is Located
One of the easiest ways to prevent or minimize damage from a plumbing emergency is to turn off your home’s water supply as quickly as possible. Knowing where it’s located lets you keep more water from flooding your house in case a pipe bursts or an appliance breaks down.
It’s also a good idea to shut off your water supply if you’re going on a vacation for an extended time. Small plumbing leaks may seem harmless at first, but leaving them unchecked for weeks or even days can lead to a substantial amount of damage.
Maintain Appliances and Fixtures That Use Water
Appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and refrigerators use water to aid you in your daily tasks. However, even the most minor issues with these pieces of equipment can release a tremendous amount of water into your home. The same goes for toilets, showers, faucets, and sprinklers.
Water damage prevention can be done by regularly checking and maintaining these appliances. Inspect the water line connections attached to your washing machine or dishwasher, watch out for leaks inside sink cabinets and around sinks and toilets, and immediately replace old and brittle hoses to prevent serious water damage.
Ensure the Sump Pump Is Working
Sump pumps are usually located in the basement or crawl space and act as your last line of defense in the event of a flood. It works like a bilge pump for boats, removing water from where it shouldn’t be and pumping it away from your home’s foundation.
To ensure that it will do its job when groundwater rises or interior flooding occurs, check that it’s plugged correctly and that the float is working. And if it’s been around for a couple of years, consider getting a replacement before it breaks down.
Know the Water Damage Restoration Experts to Call
Water damage in San Antonio North may be common, especially because of the natural disasters frequently visiting the region. However, you have control over other sources of water damage like plumbing leaks and appliance breakdowns. Moreover, following the tips above can help protect your property from these avertable emergencies.
Knowing who to call for swift and efficient water damage restoration can also help you minimize losses in case water gets inside your home. But to get the best results and enjoy a hassle-free restoration project, entrust your property only to certified and experienced restoration professionals.
If you’re dealing with an overwhelming mess after a burst pipe or flooding event, do not hesitate to contact the experts at Restoration 1 of San Antonio North. Our IICRC-certified team offers 24-hour emergency service to swiftly prevent, mitigate, or repair any damage. Call us and get your home back to normal in no time!
