Six Spring Cleaning Tips to Help Homeowners Prevent Water Damage in Canton, OH

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Check your sump pump to make sure its working properly to prevent a water damage to your Canton, Ohio home.

As warm weather, sunny days and potential of severe spring storms make their mark in Canton, Ohio the last thing that homeowners want to think about is water damage cleanup and repair. However, during the season of spring cleaning, homeowners can address potential issues that could lead to water damage in their homes.

If homeowners can prevent water damage before it occurs, they can avoid an expensive and stressful water damage disaster in the future. The following are six tips that people can add to their spring cleaning checklist to potentially stop a water damage from occurring to their property.

Tip #1: Check Your Sump Pump to Make Sure it Is Working Properly

Homes that have a basement often have a sump pump that automatically extracts water should the basement flood. Yearly testing and cleaning helps ensure that the sump pump is in good working order and will be able to do its job in the event of basement flooding.

Tip #2: Check Gutters and Downspouts for Clogs and Blockages

Remove leaves, moss, debris, mildew, mold, or any other obstructions, then use a garden hose to flush the fixtures with water. Never use a pressure washer to clean gutters and downspouts since the high pressure and heat of this cleaning method can cause damage.

Gutters and downspouts help guide water away from the foundation of a house, preventing water from entering the structure or compromising the foundation. When these fixtures become clogged, the water build-up can rot away the wooden exterior near the eaves and create new avenues for water to seep into the home causing a water damage.

Tip #3: Check the Roof and Attic for Damage and Leaks

Roof leaks are another top cause of water leaks. A leaking roof allows water intrusion to damage the ceiling, attic, and walls, causing wooden building materials to rot and mold growth to take hold. Look for missing shingles or damaged pipes on your roof with binoculars, drone or a camera. If something doesn’t look right, call a roofer.  Also, check the attic and look for any signs or smells of water damage or microbial growth.

Tip #4: Check Appliances for Leakage or Malfunctions

Leaking appliances are a leading cause of water damage in residential settings. Inspect dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines to ensure that they are functioning correctly and have not been damaged. Follow the checklist below:

• Look for signs of small leaks that might usually go unnoticed.
• Review the appliance manual to make sure the appliance is operating properly.
• Replace defective, cracked, or torn seals.
• Inspect all supply hoses.
• Make sure all valve connections are tight.
• Look into acquiring a leak detector.
• Inspect the dishwasher door gaskets.
• Consider upgrading to stainless steel cord instead of plastic supply tubing for water supply tubes to the washing machine

Tip #5: Make Sure That the Landscaping Does Not Direct Water Towards the Home

Spring and summer are a favorite time to plan and work on landscape projects in Canton, Ohio. While most properties have grading that slopes away from the house, some properties are not graded properly, which means that water can pool near the house and compromise the foundation. One landscape project that can prevent water damage involves adjusting the yard so that it directs water away from the home. Solutions that are less intrusive than adjusting the grading include a French drain, an underground drainpipe, or a dry creek.

Tip #6: Check for Cracks or Gaps in the Home’s Exterior and Interior

Gaps and cracks are invitations for water to intrude into a home. Inspect the house for cracks and pay special attention to the joints and frames of windows. Use the appropriate caulk to seal the area or, for cracks in masonry and concrete, use hydraulic cement.

If your home or business floods or has an appliance water damage in Canton, OH, you need to hire professionals who can make the process go as smoothly and as quickly as possible. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthweststarkcounty.com for more information on water damage.