Water damage to your home can turn into a big expense as the costs of dealing with will add up very quickly. In order to help you avoid this happening, here are some tips from Continental Carpet Cleaning and their Kennewick water damage restoration service where water damage can happen in your home.

1) Roof: Heavy rain, snow, wind storms and hail can, over time take their toll on your roof, a very important piece of your home’s structure. Maintain your roof shingles, replace every 15 to 20 years, depending on their condition. Ensure there is adequate ventilation in the attic, and safely clean off any snow or ice accumulation in the Winter months.

2) Eavestrough overflow: Maintain the eavestroughs and keep them clear of debris on a regular basis.

3) Window and door seals: Check to be sure window and doors are sealed properly and install window wells for basement windows.

4) Overflow or leaks from toilets, tubs and sinks: Ensure drains are free of debris and  know where shut off valves are located or install them.

5) Leaks from cracks: Seal any cracks in walls, foundation walls or basement floors.

6) Appliance leaks: Check all appliances on a regular basis, watch for wear and tear on water source hoses and replace as necessary. Replace or maintain older appliances to avoid any water damage in the future.

7) Water tank leak/bursting: Be aware of the age of the hot water tank and install a new one every 10 to 15 years depending on the condition. Keep it maintained, check for corrosion and have a floor drain installed if you don’t have one already.

8) Basement flooding due to eavestrough overflow: Install downspout extensions and direct overflow away from the home or install a rain barrel

9) Flooding due to sewer backup: Make an effort to reduce water use during heavy rainfall, install a backflow  valve or a backup generator for sump pumps. Keep outdoor storm grates clear and ensure all basement floor drains are clear of debris. Notify your insurer if you have a finished basement to be sure you have adequate sewer backup coverage. All boxes and items stored in an unfinished basement are safer stacked off the basement floor. Contact your local municipality/ government regarding any sewer backup or flooding you have experienced in your basement.

Developing a habit of regularly going through a checklist to see what can be done, making any additions such as those mentioned above will greatly reduce any future water damage restoration problems.