Prevent Water Damage in the Winter

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Protect your home from winter damage.

Brr! It’s cold out there.

I said there must be some frozen

Pipes out somewhere (*singing)

It really is getting cold out here in Iowa. Are you ready for the winter season and the potential water damage that comes with it? Every winter, we experience an increase in calls for winter-related water damage such as frozen pipes or water leaks from melting snow. It’s very common. So here are a few things to look for in order to prevent or avoid further damage.

PROACTIVE, PREPAREDNESS & PREVENTATIVE TIPS THIS WINTER

• Make sure you know what your home owner’s insurance policy covers related to water damage.
• Clean your gutters and have a professional inspect your roof.
• Inspect all your windows for any condensations or leaks. Weatherstrip your windows and doors.
• Inspect your ceilings for any yellow or water stains.
• Inspect your ceiling or walls for any loose debris or loose paint, it can be an indication of moisture.
• Remove your garden hose from the outside spigot.
• Install a frost-proof outdoor spigot.
• Turn off the water going to the outside.
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is.
• Insulate your water pipes. Especially any exposed pipes in an unfinished attic or basement.
• Open the cabinet, vanity, or closet doors when temperature is below freezing (32°).
• Keep your home warm and consider putting a low-temperature detector to notify you about potential freezing temps.
• Run a trickle of water in your sinks.
• Test your sump pump and make sure it’s working.
• Install a water leak sensor near your main floor drain.
• Remove snow away from your home and from your roof!
• Remove Ice Dams on your home.
• If traveling this season, keep your furnace on, shut off the water supply, drain water from pipes and appliances, and make sure you have someone check on your home daily.

Water Damage in your home? Call us at (563) 277-1615.