Austin Fire and Flood, a local water damage repair company, help customers in Windsor Hills, Austin, TX, who have caused water damage to their homes without realizing it.
Water damage repair costs are among the priciest homeowner insurance claims. To save homeowners from needing emergency restoration services, Austin Fire and Flood shares the following causes of preventable water damage and how to fix them.
1: Neglect the Roof
Sometimes, homeowners do not notice problems with their roofs until water drips from their ceiling. Keeping the roof in good condition provides a robust defense against water from storms and melting snow.
2: Let Debris Pile Up in Gutters
Even if a homeowner’s roof is intact, clogged gutters allow water and slush to collect on the roof. Sloped roofs can withstand short-term exposure to water but will degrade if water is allowed to collect on the roof for an extended time.
3: Let Pipes Freeze
Homeowners who do not insulate pipes or keep the house at a suitable temperature might have to deal with an emergency burst pipe during a cold snap.
4: Clog Pipes
One of the worst things homeowners can do to pipes is to pour cooking grease or fat down the drain. Although they might seem to be liquid, they will congeal and mix with hair and food to clog the drain.
5: Fail to Prepare for Storms
Most homeowners on the coast of Texas know the importance of boarding-up windows and securing furniture before a storm hits. Homeowners that do not anticipate a storm or are overly confident in their ability to withstand it could have to fix smashed windows and waterlogged rooms once the storm passes.
6: Plant Trees Too Close to the Pipes
Homeowners don’t always see a connection between their landscaping efforts outside and the integrity of their plumbing. Tree roots can work their way into pipes, leading to obstructions, burst pipes, and water damage. Homeowners can avoid costly water damage repair by consulting an expert before planting new trees and removing trees that are close enough to the house to pose a problem.
7. Try to Fix the Plumbing Themselves
Few homeowners have plumbing expertise to fix pipes and fixtures themselves. Inexperienced homeowners who lack the skill and experience can cause thousands of dollars of damage by trying to replace faucets, remove clogs, or thaw pipes based on YouTube videos or other tutorials.
Some of the worst DIY problems arise when a job looks done, but a faulty seal or poorly fitted pipe causes water to leak behind the walls or under the floor, where it can cause damage.
Keep Homes Safe From Water Damage With Austin Fire and Flood
Preventative maintenance and attention to warning signs are effective ways to minimize the risk of future water damage and the water damage repair cost that comes with it. For more information about how to protect property from water damage or to schedule an appointment for a water damage repair assessment, call the experienced specialists at Austin Fire and Flood at (512) 912-6814 today.
