How to Prevent Water Damage

There are ways to protect yourself against costly water losses and homeowner’s insurance claims. Simple steps like regular appliances checkups and a few other fixes will help you to prevent costly water damage.

1. Disconnect hoses – standing water in a hose may freeze back into the pipe and create an ice block that, in a best-case scenario, stops your water flow. In the worst cases, it may bust your pipes and create damage to walls, floor and foundation.

2. Clean gutters and downspouts – clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid blockage and ice dams. Standing water can cause damage to your gutters and roof, and unmanaged overflow may create puddles that could damage your foundation.
Don’t forget to clean downspouts to ensure water can flow through, and secure downspouts so that they point away from the home.

3. Check appliances regularly -check and maintain your home appliances regularly for leaks, according to manufacturer’s directions.

4. Investigate leaks right away and fix promptly – If you opt to ignore moisture damage or postpone making the necessary repairs, be prepared to experience mold, mildew, dry rot, or even structural damage to your home.

5. Check your water pressure – If the water pressure to your home is set too high, pipes and hoses may fail under the pressure. Buy a water pressure gauge at a local hardware store, attach it to an outside faucet, and turn the faucet to full force. The gauge will give you a reading of the home’s water pressure. Typical residential water systems are designed for water pressure of 40 to 70 psi. If your home’s water pressure exceeds 100 psi, install a pressure regulator (which is available at hardware stores as well.)

For questions regarding mold removal, water or fire damage contact SERVPROⓇ of Pasadena North at (626) 447-4111 or by emailing staff@servpropasadenanorth.com. Visit www.servpropasadenanorth.com for more information.