Drexel Hill PA Homes: How to Minimize the Chance of Water Damage

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Darby are no strangers to water damage, we've seen all kinds! Call us at 610-352-0700 to mitigate your water loss today.

Reality of Water Damage Statistics

It's easy to think that storm damage or water damage won't happen to you but statistics say otherwise: a whopping 14,000 people in the US experience a water damage emergency at home or work each day, and 98% of basements in the US will suffer from some type of water damage during their lifetime. Water damage is also among the most common causes of property insurance claims.

Any type of water damage if not taken care of properly will leave you with damage to your flooring, valuable belongings, and structural components. Also be aware if you have a lower level or a basement as they are especially prone to this type of damage. While you cannot stop a storm from happening, you can take these following steps to prevent water damage.

Appliances

It’s difficult to tell if your appliances are leaking, but there are things you can do to reduce the risk. First off, inspect the waterlines for all of your appliances at least once a year. If you do notice that any hoses are cracked, crimped, or brittle, replace them before they fail. Pay extra attention to hoses for refrigerators, ice makers, and washing machines; because washing machines have inlet hoses and drains, they are specifically susceptible to leaks. Also turn off the water supply for all appliances before traveling out of town so there’s no soggy surprises when you return home.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are prone to water damage simply due to the amount of plumbing in these rooms. Be sure to fix any leaking or dripping pipes as soon as possible, and be alert to any elevated humidity levels since that could indicate an underlying plumbing issue. Maintain caulk around showers and bathtubs since water that passes through gaps can penetrate walls and subfloors. If this sealant has cracked or separated, have it repaired quickly. The good news is that you can probably complete that task yourself, but it doesn’t hurt to involve a professional.

Protecting Pipes

Colder weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Protect your plumbing from this by insulating pipes that travel along exterior walls or through unheated crawlspaces. On cold nights, open cupboard doors to allow heat that would otherwise be closed off to that area for pipes behind the wall and let your faucets maintain a slow drip to keep the water flowing (double check that the drain isn’t blocked before doing so). Never set the thermostat below 55 degrees in your home either. Turn off valves for exterior faucets and drain all watering hoses before winter. If a pipe does freeze, don't thaw it too quickly otherwise the pipe may burst in the process.

If a Water Emergency Does Occur

• Turn off the water supply immediately, call your utility company if necessary.
• Use wood blocks or tinfoil to elevate or separate furniture from wet surfaces.
• Stay out of areas where ceilings are sagging.
• Use mops and towels to remove as much water as possible.
• Remove books, magazines, and items that may bleed or stain.
• Remove area rugs, table lamps, and colored items to prevent staining and to help dry the underlying surface.
• Never use ceiling lights, TVs, or appliances in waterlogged areas.
• Turn on fans, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to remove excess moisture.
• Place wet sofa cushions and upholstered items on end for faster drying.

By taking such preventive measures, you can minimize the likelihood of water damage affecting your home. If you do experience water damage at your home or business, respond quickly, and call the professionals at SERVPRO of Upper Darby at (302) 352-0700.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Upper Darby?

As leaders in the water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-water-damage condition.