How to Protect Your Home From Water Damage

You've probably heard the old expression, April showers bring May flowers, but spring is not the only time you will experience heavy rain. In fact, hurricane season runs through November 30^th on the East Coast, and it is very possible that Long Island will experience its fair share of thunderstorms before the season ends.

Water damage can come from excess rain, or it could come from leaks and burst pipes within your house. It is not uncommon for water to cause tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to a household, so as a homeowner it should be something you are making a conscious effort to prevent.

Use these tips to protect your home from water damage this fall and winter:

• Clean your gutters. With all the leaves falling from the trees, your gutters can easily get clogged if you don't clean them during the autumn months. When they are clogged, rainwater has no place to drain, so it can begin to enter your home through your roof.

• Inspect your home's pipes. As previously mentioned, not all water damage comes from the outside. Prevent a pipe from bursting in your home by periodically inspecting all pipes including those going to your washing machine and dishwasher. If you notice wear and tear or any cracks, replace the pipe immediately.

• Leave your thermostat on at least 65° F. Many of us will be going away for long vacations over the winter, and turning our thermostats off to save money. When this happens, the pipes in your home can freeze and burst, so make sure to always leave your thermostat set to at least 65°.

• Keep valuable items off the basement floor. This won't prevent water damage per se, but it will help minimize it. Since your basement is the lowest area in your home, it is the most prone to flooding. In the event that something does happen, you don't want all of your valuables to be vulnerable.

• Go gentle on your drains. Treat your sink, shower, and toilet drains with extreme caution. Never pour grease down your drains and in the event of a clog, turn to plungers and plumbing snakes instead of chemical solutions such as Draino.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents do happen. If you experience water damage in your home, don't touch wet items with your hands and don't breathe in the damp air. In these situations, it is best to call in the professionals. GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration serves all of Nassau and Suffolk County and can help repair any water damage in your home. Call us today for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.