It will cost you more to repair damages caused by water than it will cost you to prevent them. Prevention requires discipline and some knowledge on what you are doing. Here are the most common ways to do that.
Ensure good drainage
As long as water is not moving to where it should, you will have problems. To prevent water damage, start with the gutters. Precipitation can quickly destroy your house. Neglecting minor cracks and leaks can lead to full-blown water damage.
Water has to flow naturally from the source to the destination. If you find places where water is inhibited, get an expert. If you are handy, you can do it yourself, too. However, ensure you have the right tools and gear. Unclog drains as often as possible. Start by safely disposing of fat, grease, and other insoluble things. You will have problems if you have a habit of flushing them down the drain.
Your yard should be sloped away from your house to direct water away from it. Downspouts should be directed at least 5-feet away from the house. Allowing contraction and expansion of soil near your foundation can cause cracks.
Timely inspections and repairs
You have to check all water leaks regularly if you want to prevent water damage. Every time you spot moisture, do a thorough probe of what could have caused it. Dark spots and stains can indicate leakage in a pipe, wall or even your roof. Give your roof quality attention especially if it is old. Look out for damages or leaks.
If you don’t know where to look, check crawl spaces, sinks, drains, basements and the attic. They are notorious when it comes to leaks.
An expert can help you diagnose plumbing systems if you are unsure of how to go about it. When you hire an expert inspection company, they will fix your problem, too.
Install and maintain the sump pump
If you don’t have one, you will need to acquire it as soon as possible. You can hire a professional to recommend you the best option. There are different types of sump pumps. Some pumps work well under municipal water while others do great on well water. Check the pump annually. If yours is old, consider getting a backup. Test the backup, too.
Conclusion
Preventing water damage can save you a fortune in repairs and replacement. To do it well, be systematic.