Accidental flooding can happen in any room of your house, from the bathroom to the laundry room to the basement. No one wants to deal with the headache of water damage, especially when there are simple solutions to avoid most flooding causes. Here are five ways to prevent accidental flooding in your home.
Leave Your Faucets Dripping In The Winter
The winter cold puts your home at risk of frozen pipes. If your pipes freeze, they could burst when you turn your water on. The best way to prevent that from happening is to leave your faucets dripping during the winter. They do not have to be set on a constant stream – just a small drip that keeps water moving through the pipes. Also make sure to keep the heat running at at least 60 degrees, even if you are not in the home at the time. If you forget to do this and your pipes freeze over, make sure to thaw them before turning on your water.
Monitor Your Monthly Water Usage
You may notice a small leak in your plumbing before it turns into a full-blown flood. To do this, keep an eye on your monthly water usage. If your bill consistently increases without any noteworthy cause, you may need a plumber to inspect the home for leaks. You can repair leak sources before they become major problems and avoid costly water damage.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Your gutters help direct water away from your foundation. If the gutters are clogged, the water may go into areas it does not belong. If this occurs around a basement window, garage door, or other problematic area, that excess water could flood your home. Gutter should be completed at least twice a year: once before fall and once after fall. If you have not cleaned your gutters yet this year, you still have time to protect your home.
Watch Children During Bath Time
If your child is left along in the bathtub he or she may leave the water running too long. Not only does this put your child at risk, but it also puts your home at risk of accidental flooding. Make sure the water is turned off completely before leaving a child of age alone to take a bath, and check in as needed to look for water on the floor. Of course, if your child is not old enough to be left alone for a bath, you should stay in the bathroom with him or her at all times.
Waterproof Your Basement
Your basement could be a source of accidental flooding because it is exposed to moisture in the soil. With basement waterproofing, you can protect your walls and flooring from water damage and avoid floods altogether. This service is very affordable, especially when you consider the cost of water damage restoration. Contact Tom’s Basement Waterproofing in Michigan to learn more.