How to Minimize the Likelihood of Water Damage Affecting Your Home

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

When your home or commercial property has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property.

Any type of leak can cause property damage and create safety and health concerns. It's easy to think that water damage or storm damage won't happen to you, but statistics say otherwise. Water damage is among the most common causes of property insurance claims. One in every 55 homes will have a water-related property damage claim this year. While you cannot stop a storm, you can follow these steps to prevent water damage.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are susceptible to water damage due to the amount of plumbing in these areas.

• Fix leaking or dripping pipes promptly.
• Be aware of elevated humidity levels that could indicate an underlying plumbing problem.
• Maintain caulk around showers and bathtubs.

Appliances

• Inspect waterlines for appliances at least once per year. If hoses are brittle, cracked or crimped, replace them before they fail.
• Turn off the water supply for all appliances before traveling out of town.
• Inspect hoses for washing machines, refrigerators, and ice makers.

Protecting Pipes

• Insulate pipes that travel along exterior walls or through unheated crawlspaces.
• Open cupboard doors, and let faucets drip.
• Before winter, drain all watering hoses, and turn off valves for exterior faucets.
• If a pipe does freeze, don't thaw it too quickly – the pipes could burst.
• Never set the thermostat below 55 degrees.

What to Do Until Help Arrives

• Turn off the water supply immediately.
• Remove as much water as possible using a mop, towel or shop vac.
• Remove excess moisture with fans, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners.
• Use wood blocks or tinfoil to elevate furniture from wet surfaces.
• Never use ceiling lights, TVs, or appliances in waterlogged areas.
• Stay out of areas where ceilings are sagging.

If you do experience water damage at your home or business, respond quickly, and call the professionals at SERVPRO of Upper Darby at (610) 352-0700.   

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-water-damage condition.