Home flooding issues can affect your life, even when it's not raining. A large percentage of extreme water damage to homes originates from sources inside the home itself. A simple 1/8-inch crack in an indoor water supply line can leak over 250 gallons per day. A sump pump that fails to actuate may quietly flood a basement with ground water. Thousands of dollars in property damage can occur before residents even become aware of these malfunctions. Here are some tips to prevent home flooding issues before they happen.
Plumbing and Drain Systems
- Inspect all plumbing visually on an annual basis. Look for corrosion that precedes pinhole leaks, wet joints and signs of moisture.
- Watch for unexplained increases in your water bill that could indicate a covert leak somewhere.
- Call a plumber quickly when you see abnormal signs like rust in the water, slow-flushing toilets or changes in flooring or the home's concrete slab.
- In climates where temperatures dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, insulate exposed pipes in attics and basements. During periods of acute cold weather, open cabinets to allow heated room air to warm pipes.
- Disconnect garden hoses from the outdoor faucet and drain residual water out of the hose.
Sump Pump Issues
- Follow manufacturer's instructions for routine preventive maintenance.
- Inspect the water in the sump for debris that could clog the pump inlet.
- Pour 5 gallons of water into the sump and make sure operation of the float switch is unobstructed. Listen for the pump motor to actuate and verify that water discharges from the outlet pipe.
- Make sure water discharged from the outlet pipe drains away from the foundation of the home.
- Notify a plumber about any sump pump malfunction.
For more information about deterring home flooding issues, contact the professionals Rytech today.
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