If you suspect a water leak, it is important to find and stop the leak. Learn where your home’s water main is located and how to shut it off in an emergency.
Water Damage can be caused by a variety of issues, from burst pipes to faulty appliances. The resulting damage can lead to structural problems, mold growth, and other serious health hazards.
Many people arm their homes with burglar alarms and regularly change the batteries in smoke detectors, but when it comes to protecting a home from water damage, they overlook this risk. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, more than two percent of all household insurance claims are related to water damage, which makes identifying and preventing leaks essential for homeowners.
One of the best ways to do this is with a system that monitors the water supply and notifies you when there’s a problem. These systems can be built into a new home or retrofitted to existing ones. In the most basic form, these sensors will monitor the pressure of your water flow and notify you if there’s an abnormal increase or decrease in this reading. This can be caused by a burst pipe or even just by the normal cycling of your water usage.
More advanced smart leak detection devices are able to connect to a home’s Wi-Fi network and communicate directly with the homeowner. These devices can be installed in locations where a leak is most likely to occur, including basements and bathrooms. Once they sense a leak, these devices will notify the homeowner via their app. They can also designate other people, such as family members, friends, or property managers, to receive the notification.
When these sensors detect that there is a problem, they can either sound an alarm or shut off your water supply. This is a critical feature because it minimizes water damage and prevents costly repairs and replacements. Some of the more sophisticated devices will not only turn off your water, but they will also alert a professional plumber to come and address the issue before it worsens.
The combination of a simple floor water sensor with the monitoring capabilities of a NetGuardian RTU can provide a comprehensive solution to protect your facilities from damaging water intrusion. This system provides immediate, localized notifications that can be viewed on the web interface of the RTU or sent as an SNMP trap to your centralized network management system.
Turning Off the Water Supply
When a pipe bursts or there is a significant leak, the best way to minimize damage is by shutting off the water supply as soon as possible. This can help prevent extensive damage, save money on repair costs, and protect valuable belongings. It’s essential that everyone in the home knows where the main water valve is located and how to turn it off.
Most homes have a main water valve that is located inside where the pipe enters the house or in the basement area. In some cases, the valve may be located outside at the water meter where it is easier to access. Some homes may also have a secondary water valve on the side of the house or in the crawlspace that can be turned off in the event of an emergency.
Many water leaks occur in areas that are hidden from view such as behind walls or under floors. It’s important to inspect these areas regularly and make sure that the hoses connecting appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators with ice makers are properly secured and not cracked or leaking. Leak detection devices can be installed in these locations to alert you to a problem before it becomes an expensive disaster.
Water damage from ruptured pipes, leaking washer hoses and dripping water heaters cost homeowners and insurance companies billions every year. It is a good idea to turn off the water supply any time you plan to leave your home for more than 24 hours. This can minimize the chances of a plumbing catastrophe occurring while you are away.
In addition to turning off the main water valve, it is also a good idea to shut off the individual water valves for each appliance in your home. For example, if your washing machine develops a leak you can simply shut off the water flow to that specific appliance by turning the valve clockwise until it is fully closed. This will minimize the risk of water damage and will keep your other appliances from leaking. The same process can be used for other household appliances, such as your hot water heater.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Water damage is a common problem that property owners and managers encounter. It can be caused by natural disasters like hurricanes, floods and heavy rainfall as well as plumbing problems such as leaky pipes and malfunctioning appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. Consistent standing water in the home can cause extensive damage to walls, floors, ceilings, furniture and electronics.
It is important to know how to identify water damage and act on it quickly. Some signs of water damage include damp spots, stains and mold growth. Water damage may also cause a variety of health issues including allergic reactions and asthma.
Keeping your gutters and downspouts clean is one of the most effective ways to prevent water damage. Gutters that are clogged with leaves and debris can lead to overflow, causing damage to the roof, fascia boards and shingles. Additionally, gutters that are not directing rainwater away from the foundation of the house can cause excessive moisture in the soil surrounding the foundation which can result in cracks.
Gutter cleaning should be done regularly, preferably twice per year in the spring and fall. The easiest way to check if your gutters are clogged is to spray the inside with a hose. If water flows freely and does not pool near the foundation, your gutters are free of clogs. Downspouts should be checked for sags or blockages and should be directing water several feet away from the house.
In addition to preventing water damage, regular gutter cleaning improves the appearance of your home and reduces insect infestation. Additionally, the proper grading of your yard can help to prevent flooding and basement leaks.
Taking steps to prevent water damage is important, as it can save you money and ensure the safety of your family and guests. Installing water leak detection devices and a smart water meter can alert you to potential issues in real time. Make sure your gutters are free of clogs and directing rainwater away from the foundation of your home, and be sure to grade your yard properly to prevent flooding and pooling of water around the foundation.
Minimizing Landscaping
Whether you install state-of-the-art gutters, French drains and sump pumps or do extensive landscaping, one of the biggest factors that can cause water damage is your home’s yard grading. A pre-existing house that sits on land that slopes downward toward the foundation is vulnerable to destruction during heavy rains and storms, marked snow melting or even a sudden change in weather patterns. Removing the incline and creating a landscape that slopes upward at least ten feet away from your foundation can greatly mitigate flooding and other potential damage.
The most obvious sign of a poorly designed landscape is puddles that form during rainstorms. These are an indication that soil on your property is too heavy and can’t soak up enough moisture. When this happens, plants will suffocate and die from lack of oxygen. This can also lead to root-rot and other health issues for shrubs and trees.
When you see water pooling in your yard, the solution is to plant drought-resistant plants and shrubs that will tolerate some amount of standing water. Some examples include periwinkle, pachysandra and ornamental grasses. These plants have natural anti-erosion properties that can keep soil and ground material in place rather than allowing water to extract it from the soil.
If you spot that the area around your home’s foundation is especially damp, consider using a plastic vapor barrier to help reduce moisture levels in this vicinity. This product is a simple, inexpensive way to help prevent water damage from forming under your foundation.
It is important to note that, as a general rule, a neighbor cannot be held liable for damage caused by rain or surface runoff from their land on your property. However, the specific conditions of your particular piece of property will play a role in how the law determines if the neighbor can be held liable. If you believe that a neighbor is saddling your property with surface water runoff or flooding, you may be able to sue them for compensation. But, this can be a long and costly legal battle. Therefore, it is best to take steps to minimize the chances that you’ll ever need to file a lawsuit in this regard.