If you live on the floodplain in eastern South Dakota, you know how real the threat of water damage can be.
Especially during these rainy spring and summer months, water damage in Sioux Falls can occur in countless homes throughout the area. In fact, water damage is one of the most frequently filed homeowner insurance claims – way more than fire damage or theft.
But you don’t need to wait for a flood to strike in order to guard your home against water damage. Here are nine easy ways to prevent water damage in Sioux Falls.
1. Check Your Hoses and Faucets
Look for cracks or leaks in your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator frequently – at least once a year. If your hoses are five to seven years old, it may be time to replace them completely.
2. Inspect Your Showers and Tubs
Check the caulking around your showers and bathtubs to make sure it’s watertight. If you spy cracks in the caulk, replace it. It’s pretty cheap, comparatively, and it could save you from water damage on your bathroom floors.
3. Install Floor Pans
Installing floor pans under your appliances can help prevent water damage caused by slow, undetected leaks. It’s a small fix, but it’s smart.
4. Clean Your Gutters
Remove leaves and other debris from your gutters at least a few times per year, especially if you live near a lot of trees. Overflowing gutters can cause water to pour onto the ground and seep into your home’s foundation.
5. Check Your Downspouts
If your downspouts are too close to your home, water can erode the soil around your foundation, causing walls and ceilings to crack and water to seep in. For best drainage, your downspouts should extend at least 10 feet from your home. Make sure they are connected and pointing away from your foundation.
6. Examine Your Ceiling
Check your ceiling for water stains, which could be signs of a damaged or weak roof. You may also want to conduct inspections from the roof itself to make sure it’s ready to withstand heavy rains.
7. Make Sure Your Sump Pump Is Working
If you have a sump pump, ensure that it’s working properly. If you don’t have a sump pump, you might want one. Here’s why.
8. Know How to Shut Off Your Water Supply
This might seem obvious, but in case a flood hits or a pipe bursts, you need to know where and how to shut off your main water supply to stop the flow of water. If you’re going to be gone for a long period of time, you may want to turn off your water before you leave just in case.
9. Consider Buying a Water Alarm or Water Flow Monitoring System
For real emergencies, it’s wise to invest in a water alarm or water flow monitoring system. A water alarm works like a smoke alarm, warning you when water is detected in a specific area (such as a basement or laundry room). A water flow monitoring system is attached to your water supply and measures the water flow into your house. If it detects excess water, it automatically stops water from entering your house.
What If I Still Get Water Damage in Sioux Falls?
Sometimes, you can take all the necessary precautions and still wind up with water damage in your home.
When that happens, enlist our water damage restoration services at INTEK. We’re experts in Sioux Falls water damage, and we know just what to do to handle any water restoration job.
Our water damage restoration process will dry the affected area and help you move forward with any reconstruction, repainting, or insurance claims processing necessary. With our 24-hour emergency service, we can help whenever you need us!
