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Protecting Your Peru, Indiana Home From Water Damage

Written by, Jalluri

Updated July, 12, 2023

While homeownership comes with many perks, there are also some risks that you have to deal with. One of the biggest issues that comes up for those who have purchased residential properties is the potential for water damage.

Water damage can be caused by a number of circumstances. In the winter, cold temperatures could cause the water in your pipes to freeze and expand, resulting in a burst pipe that leaks into the house. Heavy rains could back up your gutters and make the roof leak. A dishwasher or washing machine could malfunction, causing water to spill into the room. Clogged shower drains could cause flooding in the bathroom.

The consequences of water damage range in severity, but avoiding the problem entirely is the best strategy to save your bank account, your possessions, and the structural integrity of your home. The following tips can help you protect your Peru, Indiana home from extensive water damage.

Keep Gutters Clear

Gutters are designed to improve drainage along your roof when rain falls, or snow on the roof melts. However, if ice dams form or there is debris that builds up and blocks the flow of water, then overflows could cause leaks into the home and damage to your roof. It is important to check your gutters every once in a while and clean them out, especially before winter arrives. This simple step could save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Update Windows/Doors

Proper insulation around your home is critical to keeping out moisture, especially during storms. However, older doors and windows may have compromised insulation or structural issues that can cause disaster in the event of heavy rainfall. Investing in new home entry doors and updated windows will not only help seal up the house to prevent water from getting in, but it can also make your home more efficient to lower utility bills for heating and cooling. 

Improve HVAC System

Your HVAC system plays a significant role in the moisture content of your home. Better ventilation and circulation can help keep moisture levels low, and aging systems may be doing a poor job of that at the moment. Moisture is especially difficult to deal with in crawl spaces and basements. Mold is a huge problem for homeowners when your HVAC system cannot keep up with maintaining air quality, and the associated health problems should be a cause for concern. Upgrade your HVAC system to improve the circulation and air quality in your home which will help prevent moisture and mold from spreading. 

Insulate Piping

Since cold temperatures in winter are such a danger to pipes, especially those made from copper or other outdated materials, insulating these plumbing components can prevent disaster. If the pipes are protected from the freezing temperatures, they are less likely to freeze and burst. 

Maintain Appliances

Faulty appliances that use water are often the culprits when water damage occurs in Peru homes. If you fail to maintain and care for these machines, you could be increasing the risk of a break that causes a large spill in your kitchen, laundry room, or basement. It doesn’t hurt to have a professional come in to inspect your various appliances and ensure they are in working order, especially if you lack the knowledge to do so yourself. If the manual recommends certain practices for optimum upkeep, do not ignore them. Doing so may cost you a lot of money if water damage occurs because of a malfunction. 

Know Where Shutoff Valves Are Located

Every home has a main shutoff valve for the water supply as well as other valves that control various water fixtures throughout the house. Knowing where these shutoff valves are and what they control could be critical to saving your home from serious damage. An uncontrolled leak, for example, can be quickly stopped by shutting off the water supply, allowing you to figure out how to address the problem without more water spilling into the interior. 

Lastly, Know the Signs of Water Damage

It may be impossible to completely prevent water damage from occurring in your house. The majority of homeowners in Peru, IN will face this problem at some level, so you cannot guarantee 100% immunity from water damage. Knowing what signs to watch out for, however, can help you respond quickly to a water problem before it escalates beyond repair. Some of the signs of water damage to be aware of include:

  • Musty smells
  • Visible mold
  • Respiratory problems or allergic reactions
  • Itchy eyes or throat
  • Sagging ceilings/walls
  • Discolorations/stains on surfaces
  • Spike in the water bill
  • Peeling/flaking/bubbling paint
  • Soft or swollen drywall
  • Sounds of running water with no faucets or appliances turned on

If you ever notice any of these signs, perform an inspection of the affected area to see if you can spot water damage. If you do, take immediate steps to rectify the situation or contact a restoration contractor that can handle the project for you.