Prevent Water Damage in the Winter Months

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Quick steps to get your home ready for winter.

We wanted to provide a list of some things to do to winterize your home and hopefully prevent a costly water intrusion. We are not re-inventing the wheel here. You have probably heard or read of these tips before. They are just good reminders we need to address each year. While simple in concept, do not make the mistake of procrastination. These simple tips only help if you take action.

• Drain the garden hose and detach from the faucet. If you need to use the hose later on remember it must be detached and drained after use. It is also a good idea to cover the outside faucet. A frozen outside faucet puts pressure on the interior system.
• Insulate exposed or vulnerable plumbing pipes. If they are not insulated, insulate them. If they are located on an exterior wall, especially a north facing exterior wall provide some additional protection. Make sure crawls space opening are covered and are not drafty.
• Clean your gutters and downspouts. Debris in your gutters can cause a back up of water which can cause water damage in any season. In the winter this water can freeze causing an ice dam causing water to back up under shingles and eventually into your home. Remember your guttering system has a top and a bottom. Clean out the top and always make sure the downspouts are clear from debris so the water can easily drain away from the property. Water not allowed to freely drain away will back up and possibly back into your home.
• Leave the heat ON. Even if you are leaving for an extended time. Even if we are talking about a part-time residence like a vacation home. Leave the thermostat to 55 degrees. A low energy bill is cheaper than a water mitigation and drying bill in most cases.
• Know your shut off location. All the prevention in the world cannot guarantee an accident or will not happen or an unprecedented weather event will not affect your home. If the worst-case scenario happens, be ready! Know where your water shut of is located. If tools are required to access it or turn it off, have those handy as well.

Mother Nature throws us a lot of curve balls. Our homes are in constant threat from the elements. If your home is affected this winter let SERVPRO of St. Louis Central fix your situation!