How To Safeguard Your Home From Water Damage Expenses

Water damage restoration in your Macon home can be quite the process. By the time the water is extracted, dehumidification is complete, structural drying has finished, carpets and upholstery have been cleaned, and structural repairs have been made, you could be spending a small fortune. Water damage is unpredictable, and can strike at any given time from many different causes. We at Southeast Restoration want you to know of the steps you can take to help safeguard your home and your budget from water damage restoration expenses. Being proactive about prevention is much less expensive than paying for restoration.

1. Routine maintenance on household appliances can help reduce the risk of water damage in your home. Dishwashers, water heaters, and washers all have water hoses that can erode and become weakened over time. If these hoses are not checked regularly, they can cause serious water leaks and flooding. Water hoses on appliances should be replaced every few years to reduce the risk of malfunction due to wear and tear. By following the manufacturers guidelines for proper maintenance, you can help extend the life of your appliances and can prevent risks of water leaks and water damage. 
2. Basements, under cupboards, and other areas of the home that are not traveled to often are at a higher risk for water damage than highly trafficked areas. Burst or leaky pipes can cause water to pool in these areas of the home, and may go unnoticed until the damage has become severe. You should inspect these areas of your home regularly to be sure that there are no leaks or water damage. Check all pipes in these areas to be sure that their integrity is not compromised, and be sure to repair or replace any old parts. Routinely visit these areas and look for signs of potential hidden water damage like leaks, discoloration, moldy smell, and dampness. 
3. During cold months, frozen pipes are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes. Frozen water inside pipes expands and puts extra pressure on the pipes. This pressure can cause leaks or bursts in the pipe, and as the water thaws it will spill out of the pipe and into the surrounding area. One way to keep your pipes from freezing when temperatures drop is to keep a steady drip of water running through the pipe. As long as water is moving in the pipe, it will not freeze. Keeping cabinet doors open and exposing pipes to heat will also help prevent pipes from freezing. You can also buy insulation for water pipes from most convenient stores. This insulation can stay on your pipes year round, and can help trap heat and keep it concentrated in the pipe to prevent water from freezing. 

These precautionary steps may require some time, but the time it takes to provide maintenance on your home is nothing compared to the time it takes to remediate water damage. In the long run, it saves money to be proactive, and maintenance is cheaper than restoration.  If you do sustain water damage in your home, the team at Southeast Restoration is ready to help. Any water damage in your home requires prompt action, and Southeast Restoration is available 24/7 so we can be there when you need us most. When you call Southeast Restoration, you will benefit from our extensive experience in extraction and drying. Our certified technicians will work quickly to address the source of water, locate any hidden leaks, and develop a strategic plan for affected areas. No matter the size, source, or scope of the water damage, our team is here to help with all your restoration needs in Macon and surrounding areas.