DK Environmental - DK Environmental shares water damage prevention tips

Water damage prevention tips

Water damage can be caused by various factors including natural disasters and lack of maintenance in a home. The results can be devastating and expensive, especially since not every kind of water damage is covered by insurance. DK Environmental, a water damage restoration company, believes that prevention is the best cure. Here are the steps homeowners can take to prevent water damage.

Check the basement

Reseal the basement: Homeowners must regularly inspect their house foundations or floor slabs, especially if the house is aging. Older houses can develop water seepage, particularly after heavy rains. This seepage indicates that the waterproofing strength of the cement floor and walls have deteriorated. Homeowners can paint the weak spots with a water sealant to prevent water leaks.
Grade the lawn: Storms bring with them the danger of flooding. As the soil becomes saturated with the water, it redirects the excess back towards a home’s foundation. This can seep into the basement cracks and lead to massive damage. By grading the yard away from the foundation as well as creating a porous pavement, french drains and dry creek around the house perimeter ensures that the water drains away from the house.
Inspect the gutters

As autumn and spring arrive, natural debris such as twigs and leaves often block the gutters, and enable rainwater to pool around the house. A regular inspection and cleaning can ensure this is avoided.

Maintain the plumbing system

Upgrade the hoses and faucets: Hoses that are more than five to seven years old or have cracks and holes must be replaced immediately, preferably with braided stainless steel lines that are much more durable. The hoses leading to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerator ice makers must be inspected annually to ensure they are in good condition.
Reseal and re-caulk showers and tubs: Homeowners must check the seal and caulking around showers and tubs to ensure they are still waterproof. If needed, these spots should be resealed and recaulked.
Test all shut-off valves: When a damaged hose or pipe leads to flooding, the swiftest damage control is to switch off the main shut-off valve. Homeowners should know the location of the valve so it can be turned off to prevent potential stress and expense. Moreover, valves often freeze in the open position due to the accumulation of mineral deposits so it is a good practice to test the main valve yearly to ensure it turns off and on easily. All individual shutoff valves on the wall behind toilets and under sinks must also be tested.
Reduce water pressure: Install an emergency pressure valve in the plumbing system to prevent pressure leaks. Water pressure above the normal range of 40-85 psi can lead to cracks in the pipe joints, faucets, and appliance valves.
Insulate the pipes. Pipes must be protected from freezing outdoor temperatures to avoid cracks and eventual leakage. Homeowners can insulate the pipes and close all external openings to prevent the cold air from coming in contact with the water supply lines.

Inspect the exteriors

Windows: Windows must be sealed properly to prevent water seepage. Window well covers on the basement windows can block any debris or water from coming in.
Roof: Missing, damaged, or aging shingles must be replaced at the earliest. Contract a roofing contractor to do a thorough inspection after a storm to prevent any potential leaks.
Downspouts: Debris in the downspouts and gutters must be cleaned regularly to allow a smooth flow of stormwater. Downspouts, preferably metal ones, must be positioned to lead the water at least 6 to 12 feet away from the home’s foundations.
Sprinklers and irrigation systems: Accidental water damage due to sprinklers getting turned on without a fire or irrigation systems that are ill-maintained can be avoided with regular inspection. Any repairs or replacements must be done in time to avoid any water damage.
Gutter guards: Gutter guards can be installed to prevent any blockages in the gutter and ensure the water does not accumulate on the roof.

Protect the contents

Storage: Storage areas and attics are prone to dampness and mold growth, and therefore all critical contents must be stored in waterproof bins.
Elevate: Store belongings, especially valuables like documents and photographs, above the ground level to protect them from instant water damage.

Why DK Environmental?

Serving Washington's King, Snohomish, and Skagit counties, DK Environmental is a premier contractor that assists clients with water damage, mold, asbestos, or bio-recovery projects in both residential and commercial properties.

Offers 24x7 emergency services to ensure instant response and support.
Works directly with the client’s insurance company to streamline the claim experience.
Curates affordable solutions to meet client needs.
Partnered with Hearth to offer convenient monthly payment plans to fund the project, without affecting the client’s credit score. No prepayment penalties or home equity is required.