Preventing and Remediating Water Damage

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

Insulate pipes to keep them from freezing and bursting in cold weather.

Steps To Prevent Water Damage In Your Home

Dealing with water in a home is frustrating because it can lead to structural damage and mold growth. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this type of damage.

Prevent Water in Home
Although it is not always possible to prevent a broken pipe, there are steps you can take to minimize the likelihood of this problem. Insulate pipes to keep them from freezing and bursting in cold weather. Inspect your plumbing system and repair or replace pipes that are showing signs of deterioration, such as:

• Flaking
  
• Discoloration
  
• Cracks
  
• Leaks
  
  

Homes older than 50 or 60 years are more likely to need a plumbing upgrade than newer structures.
To prevent water coming in from outside the home, make sure the basement is well-sealed. If your basement floods frequently, install a sump pump to remove excess water before it accumulates. Inspect the roof and repair leaks. Make sure windows and doors are watertight. Clean gutters and make sure downspouts are directed away from the home. Have your lawn graded so that water flows away from the foundation.

Cleanup Water in Home
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to prevent water damage. Hiring a certified restoration company can help you get your residence back to normal quickly and safely. If there is standing water in your home, extract it quickly. Mold growth can begin within 24 hours, and the longer an item is wet, the more likely it is to suffer structural damage. If you are cleaning up after a flood or other source of contaminated water, sanitize all affected areas. If you are dealing with clean water, such as during a pipe cleanup, you won’t have to worry about bacterial growth unless the water has been stagnant for at least a day.
Protecting your Queens, NY, home from primary and secondary water damage is key to maintaining the overall health of your home. Take steps to prevent water intrusion in the first place, and act quickly if you do experience a broken pipe or other issues.