Managing a home is a lot of work. Yes, it’s a full-time job. Mastering home management requires commitment and focus. There are no shortcuts to keeping your home spick and span, and avoiding indoor flooding is one of that. It’s a no-no to procrastinate and you have to stay on top of your chores or it can be chaotic.
There is always a clue – days, weeks, or months before indoor flooding strikes. Water damage is one of the most expensive disasters that can hit you and the best way to combat this is to be proactive and think ahead.
Around 14,000 people experience water damage daily in their homes and workplace. There are many reasons or factors that lead to indoor flooding. This could be caused by external factors such as a hurricane or extreme weather conditions that can lead to flooding or it can be internal such as leaky pipes, clogged drainage, or faulty washing machine hose. You can’t allow your home to be wet or flooded for days because it is unsanitary and can wreak havoc to your health. Flood water is full of harmful bacteria or microorganisms that can endanger your health. The key then is to avoid indoor flooding from wrecking your home.
Now, home maintenance is serious hands-on work. To avoid indoor flooding, you have to do a routine check on the common problem areas in your home. Indoor flooding should not be catastrophic or even a pain in your budget if only you were able to act on the problem right away. Some people just delay the inevitable because there’s just so much to do at a certain time only to suffer in the end. You can minimize the risks and also keep your finances in check if you are able to do damage control in the early stages in cases of indoor flooding.
Check out these 5 home maintenance tips to help you learn about avoiding indoor flooding:
Clean gutters and downspouts
It is extremely important to clean your gutters. This is like maintaining good hygiene for your body; you also have to keep your home well-maintained. Clogged gutters and downspouts tend to collect water and then backfire on your foundation. You can also put extensions. Make this as a part of your spring and fall cleanup activities. Clean the leaves and remove any piled up debris that can clog gutters. In addition, try placing leaf guards to avoid the accumulation of debris.
Pay attention to your roof
Always clean and inspect your roof for any leaks or damages that can cause flooding especially after heavy rains or a storm. You would be surprised by the stuff you will see when you clean your roofs. Check too for cracked or loose shingles especially if you have an aging or old roof that would be more prone to damage. It is crucial to check for any damages on your roof because water would seep into tiny cracks and could lead to electrical hazards and indoor flooding.
Inspect your appliances regularly
Flooding due to failure in the functioning of appliances can put a toll on your finances. Make sure to check the connections of dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters if there are loose connections or rusty parts that would need fixing or replacement. You can do it yourself or hire expert plumbers to do the job for you.
Know your home’s water main
As a homeowner, you should know where the main water line is located in your home. This would usually be in the basement or outside of the house. Valve designs are available in two types: ball design and gate design. Turning the valve clockwise would usually switch off the main water supply. Now, this is very important because, in case of indoor flooding or any emergency situation, you would know where to locate or to shut off the valve in order to cut the water supply in the house and prevent further water damage.
Upgrade washing machine hose
A leak in your washing machine hose can get worse over time and cause indoor flooding. Regularly check your hose for frays, bulges, cracks, and leaks around it and the edges. It is recommended to replace the washing machine hoses once every 3 to 5 years. Do not settle for a damaged washing machine hose and risk indoor flooding. Get that major upgrade to keep your washing machine functioning optimally for a long time.
Neglecting your home is actually inviting mishap. Clogged or damaged pipes and washing machine hoses would sound pretty much like an accident waiting to happen. True enough, managing a home takes responsibility and organizational skills so you know what to prioritize, determine the action steps to take, and how to respond to emergency situations.
When indoor flooding is a problem, the first step would be to stop the main source of water. Identify the precise area or device that has a leaking problem and stop that right away. Turn off the electricity too and stay away from wet areas. The key is to get the water out as fast as you can. Remove children and transfer to a safe location. Take your valuables or appliances and furniture out of the house so these can be air dried and saved from total damage.
As the adage goes, prevention is always better than cure. More so, preventive measures would now mean planning ahead and preparing for the worst. Many modern American homes are now tapping into top-of-the-line technologies that will help prevent the occurrence of indoor flooding. There are alarms, devices, and also flood detectors that can be installed right into your own homes to help protect your home from water damages. Apart from indoor flooding, scalding is also a threat to life and health especially if the water heater bursts or other similar devices that hold hot water. Technology can definitely help you get ahead of these many challenges that involve home maintenance so you can get all of your tasks done in a breeze.