Water damage is one of the usual and costly problems homeowners and business owners face. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute confirms that water damage and freezing account for almost one-third of all insurance claims. If you’re living in Rogers, AR, you’re certainly not immune to the risk of water damage, especially since other factors like burst pipes can lead to this problem.
This blog post makes you understand water damage better and provides you with some effective tips on protecting your home from water damage, whether you’re living in Rogers or the surrounding communities.
What Is Water Damage?
Water damage refers to any damage arising from water, whether from a natural disaster like a flood or a burst pipe. It can affect any part of your home, including the walls, floors, ceilings, and personal belongings.
Water damage can result in a lot of issues in your home, including:
- Mold and mildew growth
- Warping and swelling of wood
- Damage to electronics
- Rusting of metal surfaces
Categories of Water Damage
- Clean water: This is from a clean water source, including fresh water lines, rain, or melting snow. Clean water may become contaminated if it comes into contact with something like dirt or a spilled chemical.
- Gray water: This type of water is highly contaminated and can cause serious health issues. Gray water comes from toilet bowl overflow, washing machine overflow, or dishwasher leakage sources.
- Black water: It is the most hazardous water damage type you can ever encounter. Black water is stagnant water that contains sewage, chemicals, or other contaminants. Floodwater is considered black water. If you come into contact with this type of water, it can cause serious health problems.
What Are The Risks of Water Damage?
A few risks come with water damage, both your home and your health. Firstly, water damage can cause serious harm to the structure of your home. When water seeps into cracks in walls or floors, it can cause them to weaken and even collapse. In addition, water can cause mold to grow, which can further damage your home and pose a serious health risk.
Mold growth is of significant concern because it can lead to respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Mold exposure can also cause other health problems, such as skin irritation, headaches, and fatigue.
In addition to the risks to your home and health, water damage can also be expensive to repair. The expenses for the repairs depend on the extent of the damage, but you can expect to pay hundreds to even thousands of dollars for water damage repairs.
How Can I Prevent Water Damage?
The good news is that there are a few steps you can take to help prevent water damage from occurring in your home as follows:
1. Install a Sump Pump
A sump pump is a device that is installed in the lowest part of your home, typically the basement. The sump pump’s job is to get rid of any water accumulated in the sump pit and send it away from your home.
Sump pumps come in two different types: submersible and pedestal. Submersible sump pumps are designed in the sump pit, while pedestal sump pumps are designed to sit outside the pit.
Both types of sump pumps effectively prevent water damage, but submersible pumps are less likely to fail because they’re not exposed to as much wear and tear.
2. Install a Water Alarm
A water alarm is a sound alarming device that detects moisture. Water alarms are typically placed on the floor in areas where water damage is most likely to occur, such as near sump pumps, water heaters, and washing machines.
Water alarms can help prevent water damage by alerting you to the presence of water so that you can take action to remove it before it causes any damage.
3. Repair Leaks Promptly
You should have leaks repaired as soon as possible to prevent water damage. Small leaks can often be fixed with a simple patch or sealant, but larger leaks may require more extensive repairs.
Don’t wait to repair it when you leak. The longer you wait, the more water will leak and the more damage your home sustains.
4. Monitor the Humidity Levels in Your Home
High humidity levels can lead to condensation that can, in turn, lead to mold growth. To prevent mold growth, it’s essential to keep the humidity levels in your home low.
You may track the humidity levels in your property with a hygrometer, which measures humidity. The ideal relative humidity level for your house is between 30 and 50 percent.
5. Install Check Valves
Check valves help prevent sewage from backing up into your home. When installed properly, they allow wastewater to flow out of your home, but they don’t let it flow back in.
6. Prepare for Flooding
Though Rogers, AR isn’t in a high-risk flood zone, it’s still a good idea to be prepared. Remember, Arkansas is still the most flood-prone state in the country. You can take a few steps to prepare for flooding, such as:
- Elevating your furnace, water heater, and electric panel to at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation in your area.
- Installing check valves in sewer traps to avoid backflow.
- Anchoring fuel tanks.
- Having a licensed electrician raise electrical sockets, switches, and wiring at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation in your area.
- Installing flood vents in the foundation of your home.
- You can also buy flood insurance to help protect your home from water damage. However, make sure your insurance policy covers flooding.
Also, create an emergency kit and have a plan in place. Your emergency kit should include:
- Three days’ supplies of non-perishable food and water
- A battery-operated radio
- A flashlight
- First-aid supplies
- Extra batteries
- Clothing and bedding for each family member
- Essential documents, such as insurance policies, in a waterproof container
You should also have a plan for what you’ll do if you need to evacuate your home. This plan must include a designated meeting place for your family and an evacuation route.
7. Contact a Water Damage Restoration Company
If you’ve already experienced water damage, it’s essential to contact a water damage restoration company as soon as possible for professional restoration services. These property restoration companies have the tools and knowledge to dry out your home and prevent mold growth quickly.
Conclusion
Water damage is a serious issue that may lead to extensive damage to your home. However, there are steps you can take to prevent water damage. If water damage already occurs, it’s important to immediately contact a water damage restoration company. Click here to learn more about how it works.
