Water damage - Reduce your risk!

 

 

Our last post on tips for water damage! It's been a good run guys!

 

Basements:

Make sure that basement windows and doors have built-up barriers or flood shields.

 

Irrigation:

Inspect and adjust the spray pattern of the irrigation heads to minimize the water sprayed directly onto the house to avoid excessive water near the foundation.

 

Roof:

To prolong roof life, have a professional roof inspection annually. Request a detailed inspection report that includes the condition of the flashing, roof covering, parapets and drainage system.

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

 

Water damage - Reduce your risk!

 

 

Here are some tips for reducing your risk of water damage due to humidity:

 

• The relative humidity in your home should be between 30% & 50%
• Condensation on windows, wet stains on walls and ceilings, and musty smells are signs that you have have too much humidity in your home.
• Be sure to use bathroom exhaust fans following warm showers or baths.
• When going on trips, turn the temperature up on the air conditioning, not off. The air conditioning system helps remove moisture from your home.

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

 

 

Water damage - Reduce your risk!

 

 

Here are some tips for reducing your risk of water damage from windows & doors:

 

• Check for leaks around your windows and doors, especially near corners.
• Check for peeling paint as it can be a sign of water getting into the wood.
• Inspect for discolorations in paint or caulking, swelling of the window or doorframe or surrounding materials. 

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

Water damage - Reduce your risk!

 

Here are some tips for reducing your risk of water damage from your washing machine:

 

• Turn supply valves off while the home is unoccupied or washing machine is not in use.
• Leave a 3 to 4 inch gap between the back of the washing machine and the wall to avoid kinking the hose near the valve connection.
• Check the hoses for cracks, kinks or blisters, which are most commonly found near the hose connection every six months.
• Washing machine manufacturers recommend replacing washing machine hoses every five years and installing reinforced braided stainless steel hoses.

 

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

Water damage - Reduce your risk!

 

 

Here are some tips for reducing your risk of water damage from refrigerators/icemakers:

 

• Inspect the hose every six months. Ensure the valve connection is secure and check for kinks. If kinks are present, replace the hose.
• Leave a 3 to 4 inch space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall to prevent the hose from crimping.
• Locate the water shut-off valve. Inspect the valve every six months to make sure the water supply will shut off & replace the valve as needed. 

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

Reducing your risk - Shower Stall

 

 

Here are some tips for reducing your risk of water damage from shower stalls:

 

• Inspect tile and grout every six months, paying attention to loose or cracked tiles and cracked or crumbling grout lines. Repair as needed.

 

• Test the shower pan annually by: 

1. Blocking the floor drain.
2. Filling the shower stall with approximately one inch of water.
3. Using a pencil to mark the water line.
4. Leaving the water standing in the shower pan for eight hours.
5. If the water level decreases, contact a plumbing professional.

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

Reducing your risk - Toilets

 

Some tips for reducing your risk of water damage from toilets

 

• Inspect the flushing mechanism inside the toilet every six months
• Ensure the connection to the valve is secure
• Replace the flapper or fill valve assembly if you notice the intermittent or constant tank refilling when the toilet isn't in use

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org

Water damage - Tips for reducing your risk!

 

This week, a few tips for supply lines and drains:

• Watch for stains on walls or ceilings & a musty smell.
• Pay attention to your water bill. A significant increase could indicate a leak.
• Insulate pipes in attics, basements and exposed exterior pipes to avoid freezing.
• During periods of freezing weather, open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warm air.
• Disconnect garden hoses when freeze warnings are issued.

Next week, tips for toilets!

 

 

 

Source: The Institute for Business Home and Safety  - www.disastersafety.org