Summer is coming right up, and we at Stretch Cleaning are looking forward to all sorts of summer fun. With the weather getting warmer and pandemic restrictions relaxing because of vaccinations, you may have travel plans or family gatherings on the horizon. That being said, summer can also bring water damage, something that has potential to really put a dampener on your plans, no pun intended. Here are our tips for preventing water damage cleanup in your Long Beach Island home this summer, so that the good times can roll onward!
Water Damage Cleanup In Long Beach Island
Maintain your roof, gutters, and downspouts. Just taking a look at this outdoor hardware a couple times a year to make sure they are flowing properly can prevent major water damage issues down the road. The roof should be checked for obvious problems, like anything causing pressure on the roof (a large fallen branch or the like), or causing standing water. Have someone out to replace roof tiles that have fallen off or become loose. Prevent standing water or blockages in your gutters, and make sure downspouts point away from your home.
Investigate leaks right away and fix them promptly. If you’re thinking this is obvious, you’re right. But you’d also be surprised at how often people put off fixing tiny leaks, causing further damage and costing them extra for water and restoration when they finally get around to fixing the problem. As soon as you notice a leak or crack, call a competent water damage professional or plumber (depending on the situation) right away.
Test your sump pump regularly. Test it once a year at least to make sure it’s running properly. Doing so will help you prevent sump-pump basement floods.
Turn off water when you’ll be away. Planning a little in advance to make sure you can be home when your washing machine/dishwasher is running can prevent emergencies happening when you aren’t there to take care of them. In addition, if you leave town for a weekend or more for a vacation, turn off the water to home completely to lessen your risk of water damage.
Replace appliance parts. Most washing machines and similar appliances have water hoses or other parts that need to be replaced fairly regularly. Keep up with those recommendations, or at least replace them when they seem to be becoming brittle, discolored, or failing in some other way, to prevent emergency flooding as a result of a broken hose.
Monitor your water pressure. Pipes that have too much pressure in them are more likely to burst. You can purchase an inexpensive water pressure gauge at a local hardware store.
Pay attention to your water bill. If your water bill seems fairly consistent or predictable each month, and then suddenly jumps up one month, you might have a leak on your hands. Look for your leak, and get someone out right away to fix the problem. Doing so can prevent more serious water damage issues.
We hope that these tips help you avoid water damage cleanup in the coming months. In the event that you do experience water damage, give Stretch Cleaning a call, and we’ll be out to fix the problem quickly, so that you can continue enjoying your summer.