Water Damage Prevention Tips
If water damage occurs at your home or business, call Distinctive immediately at 260-250-4664.
Heavy Rain & Thunderstorms
- Ensure water can flow freely wherever the sump pump discharges.
- Check that the sump pump pit or hole is clean and free of debris that could plug the pump intake or cause the float to get stuck, preventing the pump from turning on.
- Install a water leak detector.
- Install a battery back up sump pump.
- If you have a battery back up sump pump, make sure the battery is charging.
- If you have a generator, make sure it is operational. If not, purchase or borrow one. In case of power outage, this will continue to supply power to the sump pump.
- If your sump pump is older than 10 years, consult a plumber about replacing it before it fails.
- Learn more at www.flotecpump.com
Water Leak Detector Sensor
Good Option – Place in an area where a water leak or flooding could occur. An alarm will sound when water is detected. No connection to wifi.
The Basement Watchdog Water Alarm
Better Option – Place in any areas where a water leak or flooding could occur. Includes over 100 ft of wire to place in hard to reach areas.
Smart Water Leak Detector
Best Option – Connects to wifi so you can receive notifications through your smart phone. Long range capability.
Sewer & Drain Back-Up Cleaning
- In areas where the sewer and storm drains are connected, water damage may occur in your home during heavy rain. One way to prevent this is to install a check valve between your home and the main sewer line to prevent backflows into your home.
- Call Shoda Sewer Service at 260-483-1247 to have a check valve installed, to have your drains or sewer lines cleaned out and to have damaged drain tiles repaired.
Gutters & Drainage
- Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris.
- Use downspout extensions to get the water as far away from your home as possible.
- Make sure water flows away from your home.
- Keep drains and ditches free of debris.
Freezing Temperatures
- Garden Hoses- Disconnect garden hoses from all outside faucets in the fall BEFORE freezing temperatures. The first time you use your outside faucet in the spring be sure to check to make sure the pipes did not freeze in the winter. After turning on your outside water faucet, do a quick check of you water pipes. If you hear water leaking, immediately go to your water shut off value and turn it off.
- Insulate- Insulate hot and cold water pipes to prevent freezing, especially those in a garage, attic or exterior wall.
- Drain Water Lines- If it is extremely cold or your heat isn’t working, turn off your main water valve and open all faucets in your home to drain and release pressure from water lines. This may prevent pressurized lines from freezing and bursting, causing a water damage. When you turn the water back on, inspect your home for leaks. If the pipe burst while it was frozen, it will not leak until it thaws out or the water pressure is turned back on.
- Keep Garage Doors Closed- Especially during cold weather if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinet Doors- This will allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Let Water Drip From Faucets Served by Exposed Pipes. Running water through the pipe, even at a trickle will help prevent pipes from freezing during below freezing temperatures.
- Winterize- If your home will be vacant for the winter, have a professional winterize your home’s plumbing. At the very least, turn off your main water valve and temporarily open all faucets to drain any pressure from the supply water lines.
- Sprinkler Systems- Turn off, drain and winterize.
General Tips
- Insurance- Examine your insurance policy or check with your insurance agent to make sure you have proper coverage if water damage occurs. If you have a finished basement, ensure you have a sump pump/drain back up endorsement, which is usually in addition to your standard homeowners policy.
- Storage- Store your personal belongings on shelves or in plastic containers. This will prevent water from damaging the contents like it does when stored in a cardboard box.
- Dehumidifier- Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air which can cause odor and/or mold.
- Replace Washing Machine Hoses- Instead of waiting for them to break, be proactive and replace your rubber hoses every 5 years. Invest in steel braided hoses rather than cheaper plastic hoses.
- Drywall- When hanging drywall, allow approximately a one-inch gap between the floor and the drywall. If a flood occurs in the future, and it is no more than one-inch high, the water will not touch touch the drywall and absorb into it.
- Water Shut Off Valve- Ensure everyone in your home knows where the main water shut valve is and how to turn it off in an emergency. (Turn the valve clockwise to turn it off.) If you go out of town for vacation or your are a snowbird, turn your main water valve off or arrange to have someone check on your house regularly.
- Water Damage Alarms- In areas where you may not go in your home everyday, such as your basement, place a water leak detector alarm. See above for options on water leak detector alarms.
- Plumbing- Have your plumber inspect your plumbing and sump pump for leaks.
- Drain Pan- Install a drain pan under your washer and hot water heater to prevent leaks from becoming water damage.
- Protect Your Home From Flood Damage – Follow the guidelines on this link to help reduce risk of water damage inside and around your home.
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