Why Preventing Water Damage Is So Important

Water damage can happen at any time and can originate from many sources, including leaky bathrooms, broken pipes, rainwater, faulty washing machine hoses, refrigerator ice lines and frozen pipes. We have noted below a few techniques to help you prevent water damage from happening. And should water damage occur, we’ve included some steps you can take within the first few hours to help you and your family avoid injury and limit losses. Knowledge is the best policy to help you prevent loss.

Putting a Stop on Leaks, Drips and Clogs

Bathrooms: Bathrooms are highly prone to water damage because of the number of pipes and water sources that feed into them. That’s why it’s important to turn off the water supply before you leave for an extended period of time. Check the seal and caulking in your shower and tub area a few times per year to make sure there is no cracking or discoloration. These are signs that it’s time to replace your caulking. Washing Machine: Check your washing machine hose occasionally . If it looks brittle or deteriorated, replace immediately. When you are away from home for an extended period of time, make sure to shut off the water supply to your washing machine. Icemaker: Inspect your icemaker line for cracks or leaks. If there is inflexibility or discoloring, this can lead to a burst or broken line.

At least once a year, it is a good idea to inspect and replace all worn fittings and hose connections to all household appliances that use water.

Protecting pipes in the winter: Shut off and drain the water supply to outside faucets and detach and drain all gardening hoses. Wrap pipes located nearest exterior walls with pipe insulation or heating tape. Let faucets drip to prevent pipes from freezing. If a pipe bursts, turn off the main water supply and leave the faucet open until repairs are completed. When away from home in the lower temperatures, be careful how much you lower the heat. There could be a disaster if a cold spell strikes.

Emergency Water Damage Tips

(These tips are for clean water situations only.)

• Shut off the water source if possible.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.
• Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
• Remove oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpeting.

Some Important DO’s and DON’Ts

Let’s face it: when life comes to emergencies, it isn’t a matter of if they’ll occur – it’s a matter of when they will occur. Homeowners and business owners can take steps to prepare and help prevent disasters, but eventually the law of averages catches up to everybody.

An old pipe bursts. A storm blows in dozens of gallons of water. A washing machine malfunctions. If you live long enough, chances are that your home or business will suffer from some sort of emergency. The questions isn’t if this will happen to you or one of your customers, but how you will handle the situation when a disaster does strike.

Anchor Water Damage & Restoration Professionals are trained to respond quickly, professionally and efficiently when mitigating your loss. When your business or customers home is under water, every minute counts. That’s why we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.