Preventing Water Damage at Home - DIY

Water damage is one of the major problems homeowners face. It is something they have to deal with the help of professionals. And, it would cost them an arm and a leg. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, keeping this saying in mind, can prevent you from spending exorbitantly. Below are some of the things you can do to prevent water damage at home.

1. Inspect your roof – Inspect your roof twice a year. Inspecting your roof can avoid any future damage and can prevent you from spending a lot of money.

• Check your shingles. You can use a pair of binoculars to see any potential problems, such as missing or broken shingles, cracked flashing or large debris on the roof.

• You should also be checking your ceiling and attics regularly. The most common warning signs of a leak are musty odors in certain rooms, water stains on your ceiling, spots on your exterior walls and bulging patches on your interior walls.

• Some things that you can do when inspecting your roof are washing your roof with bleach and water, trimming any overhanging branches, and patching up your chimney.

2. Clean your gutters- A good drainage system allows the free flow of water and in most cases prevents accumulation that can lead to flooding.

• Clean your gutters twice a year and one after a big storm. Begin cleaning near a downspout, remove large debris (leaves, twigs, etc.) with a garden trowel or your hands and flush the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose.

• Install gutter guards. Gutter guards can bolster the flow of water through your downspouts and gutters because they prevent them from clogging up.

3. Caulk and seal your windows – Caulking and sealing your windows can prevent water or moisture get into your house and retain its structural stability. Caulk can also be applied in some parts of your house such as ceiling fixtures, drains, bathtub to keep water from flowing in the areas of your home. Follow the steps in applying caulk.

• First thing to do is to choose the right caulk. Caulks come in many different ways. Choose the silicone caulk for it is waterproof and flexible.

• Second, clean the surface by removing any old caulk or loose particles. Moreover, you can use a wet rag to wipe out any remaining debris as caulk cannot stick properly with it and dry the area completely before you start caulking.

• Third, prepare the tube and seal. Insert the caulk tube into the gun and place the nozzle tip on the spot where you want to start caulking. Keep the pressure steady to control the amount of caulk applied.

• Lastly, smooth the seal. Smooth out the caulk by using caulking tool, a putty knife, your finger or a damp rag. Smooth the caulked area to keep it neat and uniform.

4. Check your pipes – Check your pipes once a year. It is important to check your pipes for damage and loose connections, and wear and tear that could lead to a flood of water or raw sewage into your home. It is also advisable to check the pipes around appliances.


5. Test Your Sump Pump –A sump pump is a machine installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawlspace. It is used to defend your home against a flood or accumulating ground water. Test your sump pump periodically to make sure it is working properly to protect your home. Procedures in testing your sump pump are as follows,

• Examine the pipe itself and its outlet pipe. See whether the pipe has any external damage or clogs. Remove any debris if necessary.

• Check the electrical components, wires or cords. The cord should be plugged in properly to its functioning outlet.

• Pour a five-gallon bucket with water around the sump pump. Pour the water slowly until the pump kick on and starts to drain the area. If it doesn’t turn on, it may be clogged or damaged.

In every situation, prevention is the best way to avoid any major problems. Consider doing the tips above to ensure that your house is free from any water damage.