Tips to Prevent Water Damage

3/23/2016 (Permalink)

1. Ensure Good Drainage

• Clean you gutters and repair if sagging occurs.
• Direct downspouts 5-10 ft. away from the house.
• Inspect your gutters' capacity - after 15 min. of heavy rain, if water overflows the gutters, install additional downspouts.
• Adjust landscaping and irrigation so that water flows away from the foundation.

2. Test Your Sump Pump

• Run your sump pump every few months and clean it annually before the rainy season.
• Prevent backflow of sanitary sewer water by installing backflow valves and standpipes at all basement drain locations, including sinks and toilets.

3. Fix Water Leaks

• Repair any noticeable dripping pipes & check for dark spots under pipes and on ceilings.
• Repair any cracked caulking.
• Inspect the roof for missing, lose or damaged shingles.

Prepare your basement "just in case" by raising your washer, dryer, water heater, oil tank, furnace, all electrical wiring and personal items above typical water backup levels.

Fantastic Tips from houselogic: National Association of Realtors