The water damage restoration specialists at Austin Fire & Flood offer these winterization tips to the many communities in the Austin area, including Spicewood Estates, TX. They are ready to help homeowners handle leaks and other forms of water damage. However, they would rather help property owners not need water damage mitigation at all.
Many tips to prevent water damage are available online, but which ones are the most effective at saving homeowners money and extending the lifespan of their heating and plumbing systems? The water damage experts at Austin Fire & Flood share what homeowners need to know.
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Tip #1: Give the Heating System a Tune-Up
Call a qualified heating technician to inspect the furnace, heat pump, or other heating equipment, such as the water heater. The technician should clean the filters and check the electric system. They should also identify any flaws in the heating system that could cause the furnace to fail and the pipes to freeze.
Lastly, check for leaks or rust on the outside of the water heater. These signs would indicate a water leak.
Tip #2: Keep Detectors in Working Order
Check the batteries of all smoke detectors and test their function each fall. If the furnace develops a problem, it could result in a fire or other life-threatening emergency.
Working smoke alarms allow homeowners to get their families to safety and call for emergency repairs. Installing smoke detectors in every bedroom, as the Austin government recommends, can detect a fire before it spreads. An alarm will also cut down on considerable water damage restoration costs.
Tip #3: Prevent Pipes from Freezing
Burst pipes and leaks often result from water freezing within pipes. As water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on pipes and joints.
Homeowners can protect their pipes by insulating them. They can also let their water drip periodically. This action prevents water from collecting in their pipes long enough for the pipes to freeze.
Tip #4: Insulate the Home
Some homeowners need water damage restoration in the winter. Inadequate insulation lets the temperature around the pipes drop too low levels.
Insufficient insulation also stresses the heating system, forcing the system to work harder and increasing the likelihood of a heating failure.
Tip #5: Check the Roof and Gutters
Roof leaks are a common cause of water damage in the winter. Ice dams allow melting snow to collect on the roof. Avoid the costs of water damage restoration by removing debris from gutters.
Check the attic insulation and look for signs of water damage, rot, or mold. Have a chimney cleaning specialist professionally clean the chimney before using the fireplace.
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Schedule Water Damage Restoration with Austin Fire & Flood
Even with diligent annual winter preparations, leaks, burst pipes, and sewer line backups still happen. Property owners in Austin, TX, who sustain water damage over the winter or at any time of year can count on Austin Fire & Flood. They know water damage restoration better than anyone.
Call (512) 912-6814 to speak with an experienced consultant today.
