Water damage in a home is more than small puddles here and there. It can be devastating for any homeowner to deal with water damage in general— just ask anyone in real estate.  Whether it’s in your living room, kitchen, basement, or on your beautiful wooden floors, no homeowner wants to walk into a room full of water and a musty smell.

Although water damage is never a good thing, it can be significantly damaging for humid areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or basements. Underground spaces with little ventilation and limited exits make water difficult to evaporate— causing extensive water damage in the process.

The damage left behind by water can cause a dent in your budget. Not to mention, long-running water damage can cause irreparable effects to your homes, such as mold growth and even structural damage if left unchecked. 

The Cause of Water Damage

Before we talk about how you can prevent water damage, let’s talk about what causes water damage in the first place.

A variety of things such as severe weather, drainage issues, leaky pipes, leaky water heatings, blocked drains, and even high humidity can cause water damage. Due to these things, your home might become flooded, in which case you’ll want to have flood insurance, and if you cannot clean up the water fast enough, it can result in water damage.

So, when we sum up the ultimate reason for water damage, it’s due to the presence of moisture for long periods. The key to preventing this is to eliminate the source of moisture. However, it’s easier said than done.

Tips to Prevent Water Damage in Your Homes

Eliminating the source of moisture can be challenging, and it might be impossible to do if your pipes are placed in your walls. There are also other things you can do right now to help prevent water damage from happening. So, here are a few tips to help keep your home cool, dry, and safe from water damage. 

Inspect Your Home

Make time to go through every part of your home for any signs of water or leaks. You can also check visible pipes for any signs of wear and tear. If your pipes are neglected and old, chances are your insurance company will not cover the cost of the damage. Detecting leaky pipes early on can save you a lot in the future since your insurance company will cover the expenses. 

So, set aside some time to inspect your home for any cracks, leaks, and presence of moisture. Doing so will help you prevent big problems in the long run.

Update Your Appliances

Like all electrical appliances, your washing machine and any appliance that functions with water can break down over time. This means that you need to monitor and maintain your appliances. Malfunctioning appliances can be especially troublesome for wooden floors since you might not spot the leaks. Water tends to seep through wood, and due to its porous nature, it can be difficult to dry.

Other than that, water and electrical outlets are never a good combination. Not only is it a safety hazard, but it can also cause fatal results. So, make sure your washing machine, refrigerator, and other appliances running on water are up to date and free from problems.

Be Vigilant

Another thing you should do is be on the lookout for signs of water damage. This can come in different forms. For example, a musty smell signals mold growth, stains on ceilings of walls mean there may be water seeping into your home, and sounds of drips mean leaky pipes. 

Water damage on wood can be hard to spot, but thankfully, you can recognize a few signs.  For example,  you can know wood is damaged by water by stepping on them or if they emit a musty smell. 

You can also spot signs of water damage when you start to see patches or puddles of water on your carpets or floors. 

Always Keep Everything Dry

The last tip is the most important— always keep everything dry. Humidity plays a huge factor in water damage. If your home has little ventilation, this tip is mandatory. A way to prevent water damage from happening in the first place is to eliminate all sources of moisture. 

If you feel that your home is humid, consider using a dehumidifier or air conditioner to get more air circulation. You should also dry your items such as clothes, carpets, and furniture correctly to prevent mold growth and moisture. 

Wrapping Up

Water damage can be a pain to deal with, but with a bit of effort and a good eye for spotting signs, you’ll be able to protect your home from prolonged damage. Keep in mind to maintain and monitor your home, be active in looking for water damage signs, keep your appliances updated, and keep your home cool and dry.

Although the steps above may seem tedious, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to spot signs of water damage early. Spotting signs of water damage early on will benefit you in the long run. Not only will it help you save money, but it’ll also protect your home from extensive damage.