AN INEXPENSIVE OPTION TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM WATER DAMAGE
While powerful storms can cause significant water damage to a home, a small leak that goes undetected can be just as destructive. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a mere one inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage to a home. We’ve all seen extensive damage caused by flooding, strong winds and heavy rainfall. Yet a leaking water heater or a sump pump that malfunctions can also be responsible for costly damage. Small leaks that go undetected can rot drywall, wall joists and many of your home’s structural components. A slow drip of water can cause dangerous mold and mildew that can harm your family’s health. While you can’t prevent hurricanes and other strong storms, you can greatly reduce the risk of water damage to your home by taking a number of preventative measures.
Roof and Gutters
Make sure your roof is in good condition. Most new roofs will last 25-30 years. Have an expert check your roof every few years. Even hail or a minor leak can cause extensive and costly damage.
Keep your gutters free from leaves and other debris. Gutters with extensions are meant to direct water from your roof to the ground away from your foundation. In cold weather, check to make sure ice or snow isn’t stopping up the gutters. Any kind of blockage can force water to leak into your home.
Sump Pumps
If your home has a sump pump, conduct routine checks to ensure it’s working properly. In homes where the sump pump runs frequently when the water table rises, it’s wise to have a second pump as a backup.
Water Heaters
Faulty connections, a loose gasket or a rusty interior can cause a water heater to leak. Tank water heaters can last 10-12 years, tankless water heaters up to 20 years. Hard water , sediment and lack of maintenance are all things that can cause a water heater to fail. Wetness around the base of the water heater is one sign of a problem. Sometimes the look or taste of your water is off. These are signals your water heater could have problems and may need to be replaced. Leaking water pipes from your washer, clogged drains and overly high water pressure can also cause damaging water leaks.
Delco Alarm Systems offers water detectors that send an alarm if a leak is detected. This allows a homeowner to immediately address the problem and avoid major water damage. The average cost of one of these devices is approximately $60 uninstalled. We suggest the detectors be placed by the water heater, under sinks, in the water/dryer area and by the sump pump. It’s also a good idea to have one under the refrigerator if there is a water line attached. Preventing water damage can help avoid costly and lengthy repairs. For more information about water sensors call our office at 610-494-9100.