How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage is one of the most common yet potentially devastating issues homeowners face. Water damage can happen quickly and unexpectedly from a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or a broken valve. While some incidents are beyond your control, there are several proactive measures you can take to prevent water damage to your home.

At Green Tree Environmental, we want to help you protect your property from unnecessary destruction. Below are five essential tips to help prevent water damage.

Disconnect Hoses Outside Your Home

As the cold weather approaches, it’s crucial to disconnect hoses from your outdoor faucets. When temperatures drop, water that remains in hose lines can freeze and cause pressure to build up in your pipes. This pressure can lead to burst pipes, which may result in significant water damage to your home. Taking the simple step of disconnecting hoses can save you from costly repairs and damage.

Maintain Trees and Bushes

Your landscape can play a surprising role in protecting your home’s plumbing. Overgrown trees and bushes can put strain on your pipes, especially if their roots begin to wrap around vulnerable water lines. As trees grow, their roots naturally seek out water sources, and if a pipe is in their path, it can easily break or crack under the pressure.

Regularly trimming back bushes and keeping trees properly pruned can help protect your plumbing from damage.

Know Where Your Water Main Is

One of the most important things any homeowner can do is familiarize themselves with the water main’s location in their home. This is the main source of water entering your home. Knowing how to quickly shut off the water can prevent further damage in the event of a leak or burst pipe.

If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period, it’s always a smart idea to turn off the water main. This simple precaution can help you avoid returning home to an unexpected disaster.

Upgrade Your Washing Machine Hoses

Over time, the hoses connected to your washing machine can become old and brittle, increasing the risk of them bursting. Inspect your hoses regularly and replace them as needed. A burst washing machine hose can flood an entire room in minutes, causing extensive water damage to floors, walls, and belongings. Upgrading to more durable, high-quality hoses is a small investment that can prevent a major headache.

Monitor Your Water Bill

An unexplained spike in your water bill may be more than just an accounting error—it could be a sign of a hidden leak in your home. If your water usage seems higher than normal but your habits haven’t changed, it’s important to investigate for possible leaks. A leak left unchecked can cause severe structural damage over time. By closely monitoring your water bill, you can catch these issues early and prevent long-term damage.

The Dangers of Water Damage

Even with the best preventive measures, water damage can sometimes occur. Understanding the risks associated with water damage can help you act quickly and avoid further complications.

• Soaking and Destruction of Belongings: Water will soak into everything it touches, including furniture, flooring, and personal belongings. Depending on the material, these items may be unsalvageable and need to be replaced.
• Growth of Bacteria: Water damage creates a perfect environment for bacteria and mold growth. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours, and bacteria that thrive in wet conditions can be either harmless or harmful. The health risks can be significant if water damage isn’t addressed promptly.
• Long-term Health Effects: Failing to properly remove all moisture after a water damage event can lead to long-term health effects. Mold and bacteria left untreated can affect the air quality in your home, potentially causing respiratory issues and other health problems for you and your family.