Summer is drawing to a close, and it’s time to start thinking about protecting our homes from water damage during the cold winter months. Whether you plan to close up your LBI home for winter, or if you are staying on the island through the winter months, there are preventative steps you can take today to protect your home from water damage.
Water damage can come from numerous sources, so keep this in mind as your are closing your house or preparing for winter. Water damage can be caused by a broken pipe, faulty appliance, leaking roof, flash flooding, or even just heavy rains. Take a few moments to check a few common causes of water damage, and fix anything you find concerning.
The winter months bring dreary, wet weather to LBI. Make sure your roof is in good condition, and make any repairs that may be necessary. You should also check to make sure your house is sealed to prevent cold drafts from freezing pipes. Fill any gaps or cracks with caulk or insulation. Check the gutters and downspouts to ensure water is draining off your home and away from your house as expected.
Water supply lines are common points of weakness in the plumbing systems of our homes. The water supply lines for the dishwasher and refrigerator are often made of plastic or rubber and do not last forever. Likewise, washing machine supply lines are always pressurized, and have a tendency to fail as well. Check your appliance supply lines for signs of wear or damage, and replace any that look suspicious. It is much better to replace a supply line than to have thousands of gallons of water spill into your kitchen and living room. Stainless steel braided hoses are recommended over rubber or plastic hoses.
If you are closing your home for the winter, turn off the main water supply and blow out the water in the pipes to prevent frozen pipes. Even if you are just leaving for a few days during the winter months, you should turn off the main water supply, especially if freezing is a possibility. Use caution and check for leaking pipes when turning the main water supply back on when you return.
Stretch Cleaning & Restoration is a full-service water damage restoration provider serving Long Beach Island. If you find yourself suddenly in need of water damage cleanup and restoration services, we are located on LBI and can provide emergency response to your water damage emergency. Contact us today.
