Avoiding Water Damage

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

If it's not safe for you to turn on the water yourself, call a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Oldsmar/ West Chester right away.

Avoiding Water Damage

Water is a precious resource, and it's no laughing matter when you're dealing with water damage. That said, if you can prevent the problem before it happens and know what to look for when something does go wrong, you can save yourself a ton of money and headache in the long run. Here are some tips on how to keep your home safe from water damage:

Regular Inspections

To do this, you'll need to have a visual inspection performed on your plumbing system at least every three years. While there are many things that can go wrong with your plumbing system, the most common problems are related to leaks and clogs.

When inspecting for leaks, look for puddles or water stains around faucets and toilets. If you notice either of these signs of water damage, contact a professional plumber immediately. You may also be able to detect leaks by doing some sleuthing around your home's exterior and looking for wet spots that may indicate a leak has occurred somewhere nearby.

Inspecting for clogs will require more time than simply noting whether or not there is any liquid staining surfaces in your house; however, as long as you know what to look for (and how often it should be done), then detecting problems before they get worse should be easy peasy!

Watch for Warning Signs

The best way to avoid a water damage disaster is to pay attention to your surroundings and watch out for signs of leaks. These include:

• Your water meter running faster than normal. If you notice an increase in the amount of water being used, it could be because your pipes are leaking or there's a problem with your plumbing system.
• Puddles of standing water on the floor or wet spots on walls and ceilings that were previously dry. This could indicate that there are leaks in your roof or walls, which can cause mold growth if left unattended.

Know How to Shut Off Your Water Supply

First, locate the main water valve. You can do this by turning off all of the fixtures in your Oldsmar, FL home, including toilets and sinks; then turn on the faucet handles until you hear water running in a place you know there isn't any (such as down below where your pipes are). If you find where there is still water running, that's where the main shutoff valve will be located.

When working with this part of your plumbing system, always be sure to turn off both sides of it—both hot and cold—so that no unneeded pressure builds up while working on one side at a time. Also, if there are two valves within reach of each other but not connected together (which may happen in some cases), remember that they don't share anything but their location. They should both be turned off separately before starting work on either one individually!

Flood Preparation

Being prepared for a flood can save you time, money, and stress. If you know that you have a water leak problem, it's important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Even if the leak doesn't cause damage yet, it could very well lead to mold growth or even flooding in the future. A good way to avoid this is by hiring a plumber who can identify any problems with your plumbing system before they become worse.

If you do experience flooding in your home due to an accident like a burst pipe or broken appliance, try not to panic—it may seem overwhelming at first but there are steps you can take right away that will help minimize damage and prevent further flooding:

• Shut off power at main switches or circuit breakers
• Disconnect all appliances with hardwired cords such as refrigerators and washing machines
• Turn off the gas supply if safe/possible (call the utility company first)

Call the Professionals

While you might be tempted to run out and buy a new washing machine or refrigerator, there are other options. A professional plumber can help determine if the issue is with your pipes or appliance, and then either repair it or recommend replacement. 

If it's not safe for you to turn on the water yourself, call a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Oldsmar/ West Chester right away. They'll be able to deal with any leaks or flooding so that you can move back in as soon as possible.

Water damage is a serious issue, and it can happen to anyone. But if you are prepared for the worst, you can avoid it or at the very least, minimize it. By knowing where your main water valve is located and keeping an eye out for the warning signs of a leak, you'll be able to avoid some of these problems before they even happen. If not? Call SERVPRO of Oldsmar/ West Chester immediately so we can help with cleanup!