What should a homeowner do to mitigate water damage?
1. Know the geography and the flood level of the area you live
This information can easily be found at your local building department, insurance agent or online flood maps. Elevation is the first step if you are building a new house, but if you live in an older building consider these methods:
* safeguard your electric system by raising all switches and sockets at least a foot above the flood level in your area, if you have any appliances in the house, place them on floor pans or stands where the water cannot reach.
* for old houses, check if all the pipes are properly insulated; during the winter, pipes can freeze and crack, subsequently flooding your house or basement. Use foam insulation on all the exposed pipes to ensure they don't crack and leak.
* determine how water drains around your house, find the slope or grading and angle the soil or pavement around so the water isn't directed towards the house.
* raise all outdoor equipment like generators and air conditioning
2. Regular checkups
* check the faucets, the tubs and shower tiles to ensure that the caulking around is watertight with no cracks
* Observe your water bills, if there is an unusual fluctuation then there might be a leak that you are yet to see.
* install water alarms that detect points of leak and trigger off to warn you of a water threat
3. Preventive measures
* check the roof for worn out or missing shingles and have them replaced before the wet season begins
* if your house has an attic, ensure it is well insulated to prevent formation of ice dams on its roof which slowly seep in the shingles.
* If you are leaving your house for some days, consider turning off the water at the main gate valve, this way, you are guaranteed that you won't arrive to a flooded house.
* place all your valuables and documents in waterproof bags
Despite all these measures, accidents still happen at times and water gets into the house and floods your floors. What should you do then? How can the damage be fixed if the flooding or leakage has already occurred?
* The first step is always to switch off the electricity from the main switch. This prevents accidents and appliances being short circuited.
* Find the source of the water and turn it off, if it's a flood; dig trenches to drain the water or use sandbags to raise the level.
* Remove all the furniture and appliances that got into contact with the water out to dry, then clean the surface and dry it out completely to prevent mold and mildew growing.
* call in the experts to help you repair the water damage, they've got the tools and the skills to do a fast and thorough job and prevent further damage.
Why you need to hire our water damage restoration professionals
* they respond fast to any emergencies and are dedicated to lessening the damage and reducing your repair costs.
* hiring the experts ensures they come with the right equipment that not only clean and dry the water faster, but also detects hidden moisture thus preventing mold from growing.
* they are highly trained and will give you further tips and tricks on how to keep your home secure and water free. After the job is done; sanitizing agents and deodorants are used to kill off any bacteria and odor caused by the dampness.
Call the experts when disaster occurs, but always find ways to prevent water damage. The more secure your house is from water damage the lower your insurance premiums will be. Always opt for safety first. Source: premierrestorationusa.com
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