10 Must-Know Tips to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

It’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare: a pipe bursting and flooding the bathroom, leading to expensive and troublesome water damage. Water damage isn't just a hassle to repair and clean up; it can also cause long-term issues like mold and mildew. By following these 10 proactive tips, you can help prevent water damage from occurring in your home.

1. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean

Clean your gutters and downspouts twice a year to prevent blockages and ice dams. Leaves, moss, and other debris can block your gutters and lead to standing water, which, if left for too long, can seep into your home’s foundation and cause major damage. 

2. Inspect Your Home for Leaks

A leaky tap can displace up to 57 gallons of water in one week—pipe leaks should never go unaddressed. Do regular inspections around your home to look for signs of a plumbing leak—if you notice damp, dark spots on the floor, wall, or ceiling, call in a water damage restoration company right away. You might also spot chipped paint, peeling wallpaper, black specks, or a musty smell. Leaks can originate from a number of common devices, including toilets, sinks, dishwashers, bathtubs, and water heaters.

Remember to also inspect your roof. Check inside your attic for any signs of water damage and look for damp spots on joists. Outside, examine the roof for any signs of damage and check that the flashing around your chimney is intact and in good shape.

3. Install Leak Detection Sensors

Regularly inspecting your home for leaks is always a good idea; you can add to this by installing a leak detection sensor. Many models are easy to install, though a few might require professional help. Smart sensors even send updates to your phone or computer, so you’ll know right away if there are any potential water problems. If your sensor has auto-shut-off capabilities, make sure to enable this feature so water flow is turned off if a leak is detected.

4. Run Appliances While You’re Home (and Awake)

Appliances can fail at any time, so running them while you’re asleep or out of the house can be risky. You know not to leave your oven on while you’re away, so apply that same principle to all of your appliances, from your dishwasher to your washing machine.

5. Keep the Heat on During Winter

If you live somewhere with cold winters, keep your heat on during the chillier months, even if you’ll be away. If the heat isn’t kept at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the pipes in your exterior walls can freeze. When a frozen pipe later thaws, water damage can occur quickly. 

6. Consider Shutting the Water Off When On Vacation

Going away for a long-deserved trip to Hawaii? You can choose to shut off your main water valve before you go—just be sure to talk to a professional plumber near you before you do. They might advise just shutting off individual water valves to major appliances and fixtures. Either way, turning off the water is one way to prevent any damage from occurring while you’re getting your sun tan on the beach.

7. Know Where Your Stop Tap Is

In an emergency situation, you need to know how to turn off the water—fast. Knowing where your stop tap is—and being able to turn the water off in a crisis—will prevent you from panicking and give you peace of mind while you make a call to a local emergency plumber. In most homes, the stop tap (also known as the stop valve or stopcock) is located under the kitchen sink, but it’s sometimes found in a kitchen cupboard, downstairs bathroom, garage, or cellar. Turning the valve clockwise will close it, reducing or stopping the water passing through your pipes. 

8. Monitor Water Pressure

A water pressure gauge can help you measure and monitor your water pressure. Attach the gauge to a faucet in your yard, then turn the faucet on—this will give you a reading of your home’s water pressure. When the water pressure is set too high—anything over 100 psi—your pipes can fail. If this is the case, a water pressure regulator can help decrease the water pressure from the main water line.

9. Keep An Eye on Your Water Bill

If your water bill suddenly spikes, there could be a leak or other plumbing issue. High water bills might indicate a leaky pipe, leaky faucet, overwatering, water-cooled AC units, or something else.

10. Don’t Tackle Plumbing Repairs Yourself

If you’re worried about water damage, it’s always best to call in a professional plumber to tackle any plumbing repairs. Even small repairs can easily go awry and cause leaks.

Common Signs of Household Water Damage

It’s important to catch water damage early. The most common signs that indicate you have a moisture problem are rotting, buckling, or peeling surfaces, which show up in 31% of cases. Damp or wet areas, stains or discoloration, and odors are also common indicators.