How Can I Prevent Water Damage?

1. Clean your roof gutters. When your gutters are clogged and not draining properly, water can spill over your gutters and pool around your foundation. Prevent the possibility of water in basement by ensuring good drainage from your gutters.
2. Test your sump pump regularly. Prevent a flooded basement and other potential home damage by testing your sump pump at least once a year to make sure it’s working properly. And if you don’t already have one, get a battery backup sump pump that will operate in the event of an electrical outage or if your primary pump fails.
3. Investigate and fix water and plumbing leaks. No matter how small a leak may seem, repair it as soon as possible. Be sure to keep an eye on leaky toilets, dripping faucets and outdoor hose bibs to head off any potential plumbing issues.
4. Regularly inspect water appliances. Check the water supply and drain hoses on appliances such as your dishwasher, refrigerator and washing machine. Also, get yearly checkups for your water heater from a professional plumber.
5. Disconnect exterior water hoses. Detach, drain, and store your garden hoses during the winter to prevent your pipes from bursting.
6. Insulate your exposed water supply pipes. Prevent pipes from freezing or bursting during the frigid winter months by insulating them. Pay special attention to water supply lines that are in unheated areas of the home, such as the basement, crawl spaces, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets located along outside walls.
7. Test shut-off valves. Test the water shutoff valves in your home at least once a year to make sure they are working correctly. This includes your main water shutoff valve as well as those beneath sinks and toilets.
8. Keep an eye on your water bill. Check your water bill for significant increases over a specific time period. A sudden increase in usage may mean you have a hidden water leak.

When disaster strikes and you have a water emergency, Roto-Rooter plumbers and water restoration crews are available when you need service most.