Discovering water damage in your home can be alarming, and it often requires quick action to keep the problem from growing worse. While there’s little you can do to prevent structural damage once it starts, there are some steps you can take to prevent water from causing issues in the first place. Here are five key steps that will make a big difference in protecting your home’s integrity from moisture.

How to Avoid Residential Water Damage

1. Address All Problems Immediately

One of the most common reasons water damage occurs is because of an unresolved concern. A punctured pipe, for example, can quickly cause severe damage to the drywall. In the event of a flood or weather event, the sudden overflow of water can cause extensive problems for your walls, ceilings, and belongings. A water damage restoration team can assess the extent of the issue and determine the best fix.

2. Check Your Water Bill

Elevated water bills are often the first sign for homeowners who otherwise aren’t aware there’s a problem. That price hike could be due to a leak somewhere in the home, such as behind a cabinet, in the crawlspace, or even in an exterior pipe somewhere in the yard. A plumber can inspect your premises safely to figure out what’s causing the sudden hike in your home’s water consumption.

3. Maintain Gutters & Downspouts

It’s not unusual for clogged gutters and downspouts to wreak havoc inside the home. When it can’t flow through the gutters, rain has nowhere to go but down the sides of the home, where it may then penetrate the foundation and cause extensive water damage inside. A common indication of this is dark stains on basement walls. Clean the gutters at least twice a year to prevent this problem.

4. Examine the Pipes Closely

Check the hoses leading to various water-consuming appliances at least annually to ensure they’re in good condition. It’s not unusual for a damaged refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine hose to leak, which can cause catastrophic damage if not addressed. Inspect them closely for small cracks, too, and have a contractor replace hoses on older appliances.

5. Understand the Water Main

A broken water main isn’t typically visible to the naked eye since it’s normally placed underground. But there are some signs that indicate a break, including water on the street and the yard. Your home’s water pressure may also be low. Calling in a plumber at the first sign may help prevent soaked drywall and damp ceilings, which usually require extensive water damage repairs.

The team at Arkansas Restoration Services treats your home with integrity and respect. Based in Pope County, AR, they tackle water damage due to everything from leaks to floods, beginning with extensive cleanup and extraction. These skilled professionals understand that emergencies happen, which is why they’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week—when you need them to handle a problem, they’re ready to help. Visit the company’s website to find out about their restoration and mold removal services or call them at (479) 967-2018.