Preventing Home Water Damage This Summer

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your Montgomery County home from water damage this summer

The worst time for water damage is when you are away from home. While you cannot do anything to control the weather, you may be able to prevent or reduce the outcome of water damage. The following tips will help you protect your home from weather-related water damage.  

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves and sticks accumulate in the gutters and downspouts, preventing rainwater from draining properly. When the gutters are clogged, the water can overflow into your foundation and lead to a basement flood. Remove trash and debris from your gutters and downspouts to prevent significant problems. Also, make sure the downspouts are long enough to discharge the water at least three feet away from your home. 

Shut Off the Main Water & Supply Valves 

Turn off the water in your home at the main shut-off valve. The main shut-off valve will prevent leaks that can lead to major damage, so you won’t have to worry about returning home to a water damage issue. In addition, you can shut off the water supply to the most frequent causes of water damage, such as toilets, washing machines, etc. These appliances will feature individual shut-off valves. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the water flow.

Test Your Sump Pump

Sump pumps prevent excess water from entering your home. Testing your sump pump before leaving on vacation ensures that the groundwater stays out of the basement. You can test the sump pump with a bucket of water and assess whether it is pumping the water out.

Backup Pipes

A sewer backup can occur when wastewater does not properly drain away from your home due to an obstruction or damage. If you experience any difficulties with your sewer lines, call a plumber right away to have them look at them. 

The chances of experiencing water or flood damage are higher during the summer. If you discover significant water damage in your home, business, or commercial building, call SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring. Our certified professionals provide effective water mitigation and flood cleanup services to remove excess water from your home and restore damaged materials.

To learn more about SERVPRO of Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of Chevy Chase/Silver Spring water damage repair and restoration, click here.

Call us at 301-530-7400