| Expensive repairs from water damage might be | | | | |
| needed in your home. Repair them before they | | | | 3. Avoid expensive repairs to your basement's |
| multiply! Water damage is possible any time | | | | sump pump by keeping it in working order. |
| in the year-from the weather, malfunctioned | | | | |
| appliances, clogs, or by poorly done home | | | | 4. Replace or home repair the sump pump as |
| repair. You can save on most home repair | | | | needed, ensuring the surrounding area remains |
| costs by ensuring that your home is | | | | dry and water-damage-free. |
| safeguarded from water damage seasonally | | | | |
| before anything turns into expensive repairs. | | | | 5. Check refrigerators, dishwashers, and |
| | | | washing machines regularly for water damage |
| What does water damage look like? Standing | | | | itself, or for leaks that can cause water |
| water can weaken a surface, causing it to | | | | damage to floors or walls. |
| rot, rust, or mildew, and eventually turn | | | | |
| into expensive repairs. | | | | 6. Avoid needless expensive repairs or home |
| | | | repair to bathroom drains and pipes by using |
| The most expensive repairs are foundational | | | | drain guards to trap hair. |
| damage and mold growths. Such home repair | | | | |
| can force you to vacate if the home is deemed | | | | 7. Home repair clogged drains with a plunger |
| unsafe even after treated for water damage by | | | | or a bent wire instead of professional |
| professionals. Take control by learning how | | | | products. |
| to home repair or prevent potential water | | | | |
| damage sites. | | | | 8. Replace leaky faucets, run bathroom |
| | | | exhaust fans during use, and thoroughly clean |
| Outdoor water damage prevention home repair | | | | and dry surfaces regularly to prevent water |
| tips: | | | | damage and mold from building. |
| | | | |
| 1. Do-it-yourself home repair for gutters are | | | | 9. Don't use carpeting in areas exposed to |
| simple and not expensive. Repairs can be | | | | water-damage can occur if carpeting is damp. |
| minimized if you remember to check for water | | | | |
| damage or leaks and clean out the gutters and | | | | When to call on professional help: |
| downspouts each season. | | | | |
| | | | 1. To thoroughly dry carpeting/floor after |
| 2. Block debris with gutter guards, and use | | | | flooding. |
| downspout extensions to help divert the | | | | |
| runoff from the foundation to prevent further | | | | 2. When home repair fails to correct a |
| expensive repairs from water damage. | | | | problem. |
| | | | |
| Indoor water damage prevention home repair | | | | 3. If water damage causes you to vacate the |
| tips: | | | | home. |
| | | | |
| 1. Home repair any loose window and door | | | | 4. To service your air conditioning unit. |
| caulking to prevent rain or snow from seeping | | | | |
| in and causing water damage. | | | | Before you can file a claim for expensive |
| | | | repairs caused by water damage to your home, |
| 2. In below-freezing weather, keep the water | | | | your insurance company expects you to have |
| running at a trickle and allow heat to reach | | | | followed through with all safeguarding |
| the pipes. This will avoid having them | | | | measures. Otherwise, be prepared to pay for |
| burst, with the potential for water damage. | | | | any home repair due to your negligence. |