Precautionary Steps to Avoid Water Damage

Water damage repair in your home can rake up a hefty bill. By the time the water is extracted, dehumidification is complete, structural drying has finished, carpets and upholstery have been cleaned, and structural repairs have been made, you could be spending a small fortune. Water damage is unpredictable, and can strike your Holdrege home at any given time. Even though it is not possible to know exactly if or when water damage may occur, there are steps that we at Yellow Van Cleaning and Restoration recommend you take to help safeguard your home and your budget from water damage expenses.

Proper Maintenance

Routine maintenance on household appliances can help reduce the risk of water damage in your home. Dishwashers, water heaters, and washers all have water hoses that can erode and become weakened over time. If these hoses are not checked regularly, they can cause serious water leaks. Water hoses on appliances should be replaced every few years to reduce the risk of malfunction. If these appliances do malfunction, they can also flood homes with excess water. By following the manufacturers guidelines for proper maintenance and performance, you can help extend the life of your appliances, which can prevent risks of water leaks and water damage.

Inspect All Areas

Areas of the home that are not traveled to often, like basements and under cupboards, are at a higher risk for water damage than highly trafficked areas. Burst or leaky pipes can cause water to pool in these areas of the home, and can go unnoticed until the damage has become severe. You should inspect these areas of your home regularly to be sure that there are no leaks or water damage. Check all pipes in these areas to be sure that their integrity is not compromised, and be sure to repair or replace any old parts. Routinely visit these areas.

Make Sure Your Pipes Don’t Freeze

During cold months, frozen pipes are a leading cause of water damage in homes. When water in pipes freezes, it expands and puts extra pressure on the pipe. This pressure can cause leaks or bursts in the pipe, and as the water thaws it will leak out of the pipe and into the surrounding area. One way to keep your pipes from freezing when temperatures drop is to keep a steady drip of water running through the pipe. As long as water is flowing (even a steady drip is considered flowing), it will not freeze. Keeping cabinet doors open and exposing pipes to heat will also help prevent them from freezing. You can also buy insulation for water pipes from most convenient stores. This insulation can stay on your pipes year round, and can help trap heat and keep it concentrated in the pipe so water will not freeze.

Let Us Take Care of Your Water Damage Problems

These precautionary steps require some time, but the time it takes to provide maintenance on your home is nothing compared to the time it takes to remediate water damage. While you may have to invest in new parts for compromised pipes or appliances, that cost is minimal when compared to the cost of water damage repair. In the long run, it saves money to be proactive, and maintenance is cheaper than restoration.  If you are unsure if an area of your home has sustained water damage, the team at Yellow Van is available for a professional consultation. We have the technology and experience necessary to not only find potential sources of water damage, but to repair and restore your home after water damage has occurred. If you find your home has undergone any form of water damage, let Yellow Van take care of the repair from start to finish.  We work with your home insurance to be sure you are getting the most for your money, and have experience serving our neighbors in Holdrege and surrounding areas. We want to help protect your home and your wallet from water damage.