Steps to Prevent Water Damage

Water Damage is a huge threat to the foundation and structure of your home. The core of your home must be protected from water damage if at all possible. A water damaged home has the possibility of encouraging mold growth, termites, carpenter ants, and a warped structure among other possible consequences. Water damage is costly and frustrating, but this does not mean you are powerless. The team at Champion Cleaning Systems want to offer some easy and simple steps you can take to keep your Peachtree City, Georgia home protected from water emergencies.

• Good drainage is a very important step to preventing water emergencies. When thinking of home water drainage, your mind may first go to gutters. Gutters get clogged with leaves, rocks, silts, flowers, sticks, seeds, animal nests, and toys. It is important to clean out these items before they create a backup in the gutter. The gutter leads water to downspouts, which direct water out and away from the house’s foundation to protect it. If these downspouts are not directing the water 5-10 feet away from the house, then they need to be fixed. Water close to the home will damage the foundation and structure. The foundation and structure will be especially vulnerable to damage if the ground does not slope away from the home. It is better to have the home shaped like it is on top of a hill versus in the middle of a pool.
• Sump Pumps pump to remove accumulated water and prevent basement flooding. Check up on your sump pump and test it out to make sure it works properly. This will be especially important during stormy times where there is more precipitation. You may also check the backup pump. If you do not have a sump pump to begin with, it would be wise to consider getting one.
• Water leaks are a common cause of water damage. Check up on your pipes, and repair any pipes that are dripping. If the sealing around windows and doors are old or broken, it will need to be repaired to keep moisture out. Similarly caulking is used around the home as a sealant, and if it cracks that sealing will not be able to protect from damaging substances like water. Another area of the home susceptible to leaking water is the roof. Check up on your roof for any missing, loose, or damaged shingles.
• There may be some smaller things you do not realize are possibly harmful to your home. Certain trees and plants have invasive roots that if grown too close to your home, will damage the foundation. From within your home, it is important not to pour grease or fat down your sinks. These can be damaging to your pipes, and should be thrown away instead.
• Appliances such as sinks, dishwashers, hoses, toilets, clothes washers, and showers are often common spots for water damage to occur. Check up on these appliances and their piping. If you notice any dark spots or musty smells around these appliances, there may be water damage.

Not all water damage can be prevented, which is why it is important to have a professional restoration company like Champion Cleaning Systems on call.