How To Avoid Water Damage Restoration In Your Charleston Home

Water damage can occur on your Charleston property form any number of reasons, whether it be foundation slab leaks, appliance malfunction, burst pipes, or even storm damage. When you think about all the different potential causes and sources of water that can damage your home and require restoration, it can get overwhelming. Where do you even begin when it comes to preventative action with so many possible sources? 

Water Damage Restoration in Charleston

Here are some suggestions you can implement in and around your property to help mitigate the threat of water damage from affecting your home.

1. Start by performing a visual inspection of your home at least twice a year. Pay special attention to areas that are not frequented as often, like crawl spaces, attics, or basements. Look for signs of water damage like pooling water, musty odors, or even mold growth. Be sure to check under sink cabinets, around rain gutters and downspouts, your roof top, and in window wells as these are common places where water damage can occur and go unnoticed. Catching water damage quickly yields the best restoration results, but if you are not actively looking for water damage, you can easily miss it – especially in inconspicuous areas of your home.
2. Keep up on routine maintenance of household appliances that use water. Washing machines, dishwashers, and even water heaters are all common sources of water damage, and each come with manufacturer guidelines on how to properly install, use, care for, and maintain these appliances. Be sure to only use appliances as instructed, and be sure to check water supply pipes and hoses regularly. If leaks are occurring, call for a service before continuing usage.
3. Pay attention to outside faucets as well as inside ones. If there are leaks or drips coming from faucets that are turned off, have them checked. If water pressure coming from interior or exterior faucets is too high or low, that could be a sign of a pipe burst, clog, or leak. Do not leave hoses hooked up to exterior faucets during cold weather to prevent any water buildup and back up. If you notice slow drainage, whether in a sink, tub, or shower, have it checked and get it resolved before it results in water damage.
4. Purchase a water pressure gauge to monitor the water pressure going into your home. Most interior plumbing can support water pressures up to 80 psi, but when water pressure exceeds that it could result in major damage to your home. Installing a gauge to an exterior faucet will you give you a reading when the faucet is turned on full force. If you find the pressure going into your home is too high, you can install a water pressure regulator that can control the water pressure going into your home and help prevent bursts, leaks, and unnecessary strain on your plumbing.
5. Last, but definitely not least, become familiar with where you main water line is and how to shut off the valve. In the case where water is flooding into your home from a water line, you can prevent a lot of damage if you are able to shut off the water supply in a timely manner.

Water Damage Restoration in Charleston

Sometimes, despite our best efforts our homes still fall victim to water damage and require restoration. The specialists at Restoration 1 of Low Country are trained and ready to remedy any water damage restoration required in your home.