Water can be one of your home’s greatest foes. Even a small amount of moisture intrusion could spell danger for its structure and integrity if it goes unnoticed for too long. It can weaken materials, cause significant leaks, lead to mold and mildew formation, attract pests, and cause complete failure of elements like drywall, carpeting, and even electrical systems. Here’s how to avoid this problem that can lead to frequent and extensive water damage restorations.

How Can Homeowners Avoid Water Damage?

1. Resolve Leaks Promptly

Leaks can range from minor to significant. The longer that the problem lingers, the greater the chances that you’ll experience issues like mold, pest infestations, and damaged wood, which can eventually crumble and deteriorate.

Water damages can cause more widespread issues that are preventable if you address the leak right away. Common signs of a leak include dark spots on walls or ceilings, areas of drywall that appear soggy, and dripping noises. The sooner you catch and resolve the leak, the less likely you’ll need to think about having a water damage restoration.

2. Prioritize Proper Drainage

Without an adequate drainage setup, water is more likely to seep into the foundation around your home. This leaves your property vulnerable to the ravages of water damage, especially since the issue tends to develop over time and may not be immediately obvious if you don’t spend much time in the basement. To prevent drainage issues that cause damage, clean the gutters at least twice a year, and direct downspouts away from your home. Check your home’s grading to ensure that there’s enough slope to facilitate water flow from your house.

3. Monitor Water Bills

Unfortunately, it’s not always evident that there’s a leak somewhere in the home. There may be a bathroom that you don’t typically use, for example, or the leak could be out of sight, somewhere within your home’s internal plumbing.

Whatever the case, your water bill will tell a clearer story, and you should investigate immediately if you notice a sudden increase in your payments. Even a minor leak can cause your rate to skyrocket. Moreover, it means there’s significant time for damages to develop, and you may need significant water damage restorations once the leak is resolved.

Don’t deal with the aftermath of water damage on your own. Turn to the team at Restoration 1 of Evansville in Indiana to resolve the problem for you. The company provides several services to restore your property back to livable conditions, including water damage restoration, mold remediation, and odor removal. Visit their website for more information, or call (812) 641-8132 to schedule an appointment.