Water Damage Prevention

Water damage is a common and often devastating issue for homeowners in Worcester’s face. Cleanup and restoration caused by these damages should be done by professionals who have the training, experience, equipment, and expertise to safely and effectively return your home to its pre-loss condition. Fortunately, there are some DIY steps that you can take to prevent water damage and protect your home and belongings from leaks or floods. 

Water Damage Worcester

Here are some helpful tips to prevent water damage in your home:

1. Conduct a visual inspection of your home. Check into rooms and areas that are not obvious or are less trafficked. Basements, garages, attics, under cabinets, the ground around rain gutters, rooftops, and window wells are all familiar places where excessive moisture can go unnoticed. Make sure these areas are dry and show no signs of any moisture or leaking. Make it a habit to check these places periodically to ensure no water damage is present.
2. Perform routine maintenance on household appliances that use water. Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are all common culprits of water damage in homes. Water hoses that run to these machines can weaken over time and are prone to leaks. Keep an eye on these appliances, and ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding installation, use, and maintenance. Consider replacing washing machine hoses regularly to avoid leaks from aging and overuse.
3. Be aware of water outside of your home. Hoses left connected to outside taps stillhouse water, and if temperatures drop suddenly, water in a hose may freeze back into the pipe. Disconnect hoses to help prevent any water build-up there. Cluttered rain gutters can also create blockages which can lead to overflow. Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, and be sure they are directing water away from the foundation of your home (at least 3 feet). 
4. Know where your water main shut-off valve is located. If you plan on being away for long periods of time, you may want to shut off the main water supply to your home. Also, if you find yourself in a situation where water is flooding or overflowing into your home, you will need to know where your main water shut-off valve is so you can turn it off and stop the flow of water.
5. Install water detection devices. Just as we use smoke detectors to warn us of fires, there are detectors available that warn us when too much moisture is present. These are incredibly beneficial in areas where water damage can go on undetected. 
6. Use a water pressure gauge to check the water pressure in your home. You can get a water pressure gauge at most local hardware stores, and all you have to do to check your pressure is attach it to an outside faucet and turn the faucet on full force. The gauge will give you a reading of the water pressure going into your home, and if it is too high, it can cause unnecessary strain on pipes – resulting in leaks and other issues. 

Here at MA Restoration, we understand that water damage can be caused by a number of issues, so staying on top of this list can help significantly reduce the risk of damage in your Worcester home. When you experience a leak or a flood, no matter what the cause may be, call MA Restoration.