Water Damage Prevention Inside and Out | SERVPRO of Morro Bay/King City

6/7/2024 (Permalink)

Dealing with home water damage can feel overwhelming. That's why SERVPRO of Morro Bay/King City is quick to restore your space. Call now!

Can you count the number of ways you use water in a single day? Washing the dishes, washing clothes, washing the dog or the kids—the list could go on and on. Water plays a crucial role in making our days run just a little more smoothly.

Just as there are countless ways in which we utilize water in a day, there are also countless ways in which water can leave our home damaged. Water is particularly good at playing hide and seek, and when you don’t know where to look for it, you can end up finding not just water itself, but also mold, structural damage and lingering odors. 

By taking a whole-home approach, you can protect your home from multiple different kinds of water damage. It can actually be pretty simple, too—some regular maintenance outside and inside your home will help keep you safe and dry. 

Start Outside

Mother Nature can deal some pretty nasty blows, and even she can leave us dealing with water damage from a number of different sources. The best way to prepare for nature-based water damage is to take care of the outside of your home.  

Clean your gutters regularly, or invest in covers that will keep debris out. Even with covers, you should still check your gutter system at least twice a year. Make sure everything is well-connected and replace anything that is showing signs of aging. 

Take a look at downspouts to ensure they are free of blockages. Both of these steps are especially important to do after a storm has blown through or winds have been high. 

When you check your gutters, take a look at your roof as well. Repair loose shingles or other materials, and make sure there are no soft spots. That could indicate a leak and deserves some deeper digging to keep things in good repair. 

Make sure your yard is sloped to move water away from the base of your house. You can use organic material to create additional sloping as well as increase absorption to prevent puddles from forming. If you have a spot in your yard that stays wet, consider installing a rain garden with plants that will naturally draw water down into the soil. 

Work Inside

While the outside of your home will likely only require maintenance a few times a year and after any big storms, preventing water damage inside your home should be a weekly part of your routine. A single leak can drip nearly 200 gallons per day, which is a lot of water that could be creeping around your walls and floorboard. 

Check for leaks under all your sinks and around toilets, tubs and showers often. Look for small puddles, drips hanging out on a pipe, or even splashes of water on the floor. 

Make sure seals are tight, and replace anything that has begun to age. Mold and musty odors are another indicator that moisture is getting in the wrong places, especially if you notice them near an appliance that uses water. Check behind and under the appliance as much as you are able for leaks in the water lines if you do notice an odor. 

Take note of any regular water payments you make—a sudden change is a good indicator that there is a leak somewhere in your home. A change in water pressure is another sign that something is not quite right. 

Protect your home from water damage by keeping a close eye on things inside and out. By keeping things well-maintained, you can count on water to make your life easier without worrying about damage. 

Do you have water damage in your home? Contact our SERVPRO® team, and we will get things dried out fast.