7 Steps to Avoid Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage is one of the biggest and most expensive repairs you may need to make in your home. That’s why it’s so essential to take preventative steps to avoid water damage whenever possible. Today, we’re going to talk with you about the small steps you can take to ensure that you are staying ahead of the water damage before it ruins your home. Below are seven easy steps you can take to avoid water damage in your home.

Step 1: Stay on top of your Sump Pump

The purpose of your sump pump is to keep your basement or crawl space dry. Basically, water that enters the basement of your home will drain into the sump pit and then the pump will push it out and through the water system. If your sump pump is not working properly, the water will sit stagnate in your basement or crawlspace.

It is important to ensure your sump pump is functioning properly by doing the following things:
✓ Test your pump at least once a year
✓ Check your basement after storms to make sure no flooding occurred
✓ If you have a home that is prone to flooding or storms, test your sump pump seasonally

Step 2: Slope your yard properly

The slope of your yard has a direct influence on interior flooding of your home. You want to make sure that the slope of your yard goes away from the foundation. This way, when rainwater falls, it will not pool against the foundation of your home. Instead, rainwater will run away from your home and prevent water damage from occurring.

Step 3: Be aware of water leaks from your roof

There are many warning signs in your home that water damage is in the process of occurring. Pay attention to the ceilings of your home. Water damage seen on the ceilings of your home often indicates that there is a problem with your roof or flashing. Be mindful of these signs and take immediate action to repair their sources.

Other warning signs of roof damage:
✓Dark spots in your ceilings
✓Built-up precipitation on windows
✓Stained ceilings
✓Wet or damaged walls

Step 4: Assess Your Roof Yearly

Because a lot of water damage is related to your roof, it’s a good idea to inspect your roof yearly.

Check for….
✓Missing shingles
✓Warped wood
✓Missing or stripped flashing

Step 5: Properly maintain your gutters

Gutters help to get rid of rainwater. If they are clogged or missing, it’s possible that rainwater will misdirect itself and settle on your roof, porches or foundation.

✓Make sure that gutters are properly installed on your home
✓Clean your gutters regularly

Step 6: Don’t Neglect Your Attic

Your attic, although seldom used, is essential to the functioning part of your home. Neglected attics often pose problems for water damage. Make sure that you assess your attic regularly.

Warning signs that something is wrong with your attic:
✓Stains on the ceiling of the attic
✓Wallpaper flecking off
✓Paint bubbling or chipping away on interior walls
✓Damp interior walls

Step 7: Pay attention to your kitchen + bathrooms

A lot of interior water damage arises in kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchen appliances that are not properly hooked up may cause water damage to occur in your home. Additionally, leaky pipes that go attended may cause water to pool and damage your home.

Be sure to pay attention to the following things as they may be indicators of water damage:
✓Leaky or drippy faucets
✓Non-working exhaust fans
✓Damp vanities
✓Stains on the ceiling

As a first-time home buyer, it can be challenging to know how to properly maintain your home and prevent water damage. But, we hope that this short guide gave you the valuable information you need to prevent water damage in your home.

We are committed to helping you find the right home for your family. As we walk through homes with you, we will be sure to point out any warning signs of water damage so that you can get a safe and beautiful home for your family. If you’re looking for homes in the Byron Center and Grand Rapids area, we hope that you will contact us today.