Prevent Water Damage this Fall with These Easy Tips

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Water damage brings more than dampness; it brings expensive repairs. If your foundation, windows or pipes leak, you could be facing expensive drywall, flooring or foundation repairs. You can avoid the trouble and expenses this fall by keeping some of these easy tips in mind and making sure your plumbing system is well maintained.

Clean Out Your Rain Gutters

Over time rain gutters get clogged, which prevents water from draining away from your foundation. It is especially important to clean out your rain gutters as the leaves fall to make sure water can freely flow through them. Also check to make sure your downspout directs water away from your home and that the ground around your foundation slopes away from the house. Downspout extensions should carry water at least 24 inches from the base of your home.

Install Window Drains in Your Basement Window Wells

Basement windows with window wells are prone to water collection which can cause water damage in your basement. If you have these windows, you can hire a professional to install drains that allow the water to flow from the well to the subsoil. There are also do-it-yourself tutorials that can help you install your own window well and drain. While you are working with your windows, check to make sure the glass and seals are intact.

Have your Piping Systems Assessed 

If you ever find water in a place it shouldn’t be, you may have a leak in your piping system. Contact a professional plumber who can find and then repair the leak. Even small leaks should be taken care of right away. A plumber can also assess your system to make sure everything is working properly.

Maintain Your Sump Pump

Sump pumps are vital to preventing basement flooding. If you have a sump pump, test it regularly to make sure it is working. You can do this by pouring a bucket of water into the pump’s pit and making sure the pump turns on and drains the water. Make sure your pump is always connected to a working power source. Broken sump pumps should be repaired immediately by a professional.

Check Your Roof, Siding and Exterior Brick

Check to make sure your roof doesn’t have any missing or broken shingles and that the siding or brick on the outside of your house is intact. Damage to your home’s exterior can allow water to seep inside, so it is important to keep these elements in excellent shape.

Water damage can lead to costly repairs, but these tips can help you avoid the situation altogether. For leak detection and repair or sump pump maintenance on Long Island, contact us. We can send an experienced technician to your home to assess and repair the problem.