Water damage is something all homeowners are desperate to avoid. It can be costly to repair and can completely disrupt your home life, whether it be from a burst pipe or a period of heavy rainfall. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do around your home and precautions you can put in place to help prevent water leaks in your property.
Water damage is not always the result of dramatic events such as a devastating flood or hurricane; more often than not, water damage is caused by pinhole-sized leaks in pipes, blocked gutters or even an old roof that hasn't been maintained correctly over the years.
Knowing how to prevent a water leak in your home is extremely important and can save you a whole lot of stress, inconvenience and money down the line. Water damage can lead to serious structural damage, threatening the structural integrity of your entire building and putting you and your family at risk.
Fortunately, preventing water leaks in your home doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, there are a number of things you can do around your property to ensure your home is protected in the event of a leak or flood that won't cost you the earth. Read on to find out more.
Ensure good drainage
Firstly, it is absolutely essential your property has good drainage, and this means keeping your gutters clear of debris. Whilst leaves are the most common culprit of blocked gutters, it's important to remember this is just not an autumnal issue; you should inspect your gutters regularly and make sure they're clear of debris all year round.
Aim to clean your gutters at least twice a year (we recommend more if you want to be super safe) to avoid blockages and ice dams. A clogged gutter will send a huge overflow of water down the side of your property, damaging your siding and foundation which can be dangerous and costly.
When cleaning your gutters, don't forget to clear out the downpipes too. Downpipes that are clean and clear ensure water can easily flow through the spout and away from your home. In addition, we also recommend removing trees and shrubs that have become too big; while they may look beautiful in your garden, tree roots can wrap around your pipes and break them, leading to extensive water damage and plumbing problems.
Prevent your pipes from freezing
One of the most common causes of water damage is burst pipes, which is often the result of freezing cold temperatures outside. In order to prevent freezing damage from occurring, warm water must be able to circulate through pipes. This is especially important when the weather is cold outside, as icy temperatures can freeze the water in a pipe.
The best way to prevent freezing is to maintain a minimum temperature of at least 10 degrees Celsius in your home and insulate any exposed pipes. We recommend installing a smart thermostat to maintain a basic warm temperature in your property, even when you're out during the winter months.
So many homeowners fail to insulate exposed pipes (or they simply don't know the importance of doing so!) which can lead to a whole host of issues. However, insulating your pipes is easy and budget-friendly; foam tubes can be easily and quickly fitted on exposed pipes to protect them from cold temperatures. Another quick tip is to regularly open up cabinets and cupboards in your home, such as in the kitchen or underneath the bathroom sink, to allow warm air to circulate around your pipes.
Proactively inspect your property for different types of leaks
Some of the worst and most damaging leaks are hidden, and if you're not sure what to look out for, you may not even notice them at all. Even the smallest of undetected leaks can cause significant damage over time and therefore it's important to keep an eye out and know what you're looking for.
Regularly check underneath sinks and around appliances like your washing machine or dishwasher for signs of stray or leaking water. Musty damp and mould smells may indicate there is a buildup of moisture and water somewhere. Check for dark spots under pipes inside sink cabinets, water stains on ceilings, toilets that rock and drips from taps.
It's also extremely important to inspect your roof at least once a year. If your roof isn't maintained correctly or there's a hole, crack or gap, you could have a leak on your hands. Keep an eye out for any missing, loose and damaged shingles throughout the year and make sure you get them repaired as soon as you notice any issues. You should also check for leaks around flashing.
Keep an eye on your water bill
With the above in mind, it's also important to keep an eye on your water bill. When it comes through your letterbox, it can be tempting to just take a glance and pay what you owe - but taking the time to compare your water bill to previous ones could help you detect a hidden leak in your home. Perhaps your water bill has been slowly creeping up over the last few months without you really noticing or maybe you've noticed a sudden spike and your water usage has jumped significantly from one month to another without explanation.
If you've noticed changes in your water usage, it's worth calling in the professionals to identify any leaks in your home. Not only is an undetected leak a waste of money and water, but it could also be causing significant damage to your property without you even realising.
Install a leak detection device
If you really want to protect your property from water damage, consider installing a leak detection device in your home. A water detector is a small electronic device that sounds an alarm when the sensor comes into contact with moisture. Water leak detection devices are relatively inexpensive to install and they immediately shut off the water supply in the event of a leak, which can be extremely beneficial for those who leave their properties vacant for extended periods of time.
Water leak detectors can detect low moisture levels or slow leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed. They can be installed near water heaters, washing machines, toilets and dishwashers to detect leaks immediately and prevent extensive water damage to your home.
Manage Water Leaks with Leak Tracers Direct Today
Do you suspect you have a water leak in your property? Are you worried about water damage? Whether your sink is leaking, you've noticed a spike in your water bill or your walls and ceiling are damp, it's important to get in touch with a reliable and professional leak detection company to detect a water leak in your house as soon as possible.
At Leak Tracers Direct, our team of specialists can find your leak, carry out all works to get to it and if you want us to, we will agree costs with your insurer to put everything right again too. When you call us, we'll go above and beyond to ensure the problem is resolved as quickly as possible and any damage caused to your property is minimised.
To learn more about us, visit our website.