Wintertime may bring with it bitter cold, snow, and ice. There is a higher chance of water damage to your house. Frozen pipes, ice dams, and melting snow are all serious problems if they are not properly addressed. Take preventative measures to protect your home from winter water damage. This will help you avoid costly repairs. Protect your home and prevent costly water damage this winter.
- Inspecting And Insulating Your Pipes
Frozen pipes cause the majority of water damage. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, causing the pipe to burst. Water damage can be severe, particularly if a pipe bursts inside your home.
Before the cold weather begins, check your pipes. Pay attention to the parts of your home that have exposed pipes, such as attics, basements, and crawlspaces. Insulating your pipes can be a simple but effective way to avoid freezing. You can use heating tape on pipes or foam pipe insulation to add another layer of protection.
During periods of extreme cold, you can also keep a very small amount of water running through faucets connected to vulnerable pipes. This keeps water moving to reduce the risk of freezing.
- Seal Gaps And Cracks
If your foundation, windows, or doorframes have cracks, gaps, or holes, cold air can enter the home and cause pipes to freeze. Left unattended, these small holes can result in more severe water damage.
Seal any cracks, gaps, or holes that you find before winter. Use caulk to seal the joints. Not only will this prevent water from seeping in, but it will also increase your home’s efficiency by keeping the cold air out. Pay close attention, in particular, to the areas around pipes leaving your home or exterior walls. These may have shifted or cracked over time.
- Clean Your Gutters And Downspouts
Clogged gutters or downspouts are the main cause of winter damage due to water accumulation and ice. The water cannot escape your home when gutters fill up with debris, leaves, or snow. The water instead pools up on your roof. This can cause it to seep into your walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.
Be sure to clean your gutters, downspouts, and other parts of the home before winter. Clear away anything that can obstruct the water’s passage. Also, ensure your downspouts send water at least 6-10 feet away. Consider installing gutter protectors, which will help keep debris out of your gutters throughout the whole season.
- Prevent Ice Dams On Your Roof
Ice dams develop when melting roof snow is re-frozen at the edges. They prevent the additional melting of snow from draining. This water, which is trapped, can damage your roof, insulation, and interior walls.
For a well-ventilated attic, you can prevent ice dams. This helps regulate your roof’s temperature and reduces the possibility of snow thawing prematurely. You can install heating cables to melt snow or ice on your roof. Use a roof rake to regularly remove excess snow from your rooftop to prevent injuries.
- Maintain Your Sump Pump
If you live in a home with a basement, the sump pump will be your first line of defense to prevent water damage. A sump tank that is not functioning correctly can cause basement flooding during winter due to melting snow and freezing ice.
Test your sump regularly to ensure proper operation. Consider installing a backup battery in case you lose power during winter storms. The discharge pipe should also be checked for debris and ice blocks that could prevent water from flowing away from the home.
- Monitor Your Water Pressure
High water pressure can strain your pipes, increasing the chances of a pipe bursting during winter. Installing water pressure gauges can help monitor and control the pressure within your plumbing system.
Install a pressure reduction valve if you notice the pressure consistently exceeding the recommended range (normally 40-60psi). This small change can help protect your pipes in winter when the likelihood of freezing and expanding is higher.
Conclusion
Proactive steps and regular maintenance are needed to protect your house from water damage. By insulating your pipes, cleaning gutters, preventing ice dam formation, and ensuring proper drainage is maintained, you can save yourself time, money, and stress.
To avoid water damage, call a professional for Water damage restoration services. A quick response time can mitigate the damage, restore your home’s original condition, and allow you to enjoy the winter in a warm and dry environment.