5 Ways To Prevent Interior Leaks This Summer
Now that we’re halfway through summer, you may have noticed some water-related issues around your home. Maybe you found a ceiling leak, or a bit of water in your basement. Keep reading to learn some common causes of these leaks. If you’ve found water in your home, you may find some helpful information here that could prevent a serious water-damage headache.
1. Clean Out Your Gutters
On a rainy day, a clogged gutter can cause serious water damage to your home. Water overflowing from the gutter can migrate into your home’s foundation and make its way into your basement. Take advantage of these nice summer days and clean out your gutters. If they are too high or your roof is too steep to reach them safely from above, try using a gutter-cleaning hose attachment or hire a professional.
2. Have Your Roof Inspected
Get your roof inspected annually to ensure it will handle rainy days and stormy nights. Checking your roof regularly will help you find small, simple-to-repair problems that can be fixed for a relatively low cost – before they become large, expensive problems.
3. Check Your Window Caulking
Window caulking forms a protective barrier that stops water from entering your home. It’s important to maintain this caulking, as it deteriorates over time and requires replacement. If your existing caulking is cracked or has gaps, it’s time to apply a new bead of caulk around the windows in the spots where it’s deteriorating. This can extend the life of your windows and the structure of your home.
4. Clean Out Your Dryer Vent
A clogged dryer vent can cause a fire inside your home, so cleaning it should be an important item on your summer to-do list. Simply pull your dryer away from the wall, detach the accordion-like vent hose, and vacuum out the lint and debris trapped inside. Make sure to re-attach your vent securely; if it’s loose, it could release moisture into your basement each time you use your dryer.
5. Check Your Water Meter
Finding a water leak before it causes major damage can save potential hassles – and big bucks! Here’s a simple DIY method to check for water leaks:
A. Turn Off All Water – Make sure no appliance that uses water inside or outside your home is running. This includes toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, faucets, icemakers, lawn or garden irrigators. Shut off everything that uses water.
2. Check Flow Indicator – Locate your water meter and check whether it has a flow indicator. This is a small rotating wheel on the meter that can detect even small amounts of water flow. If the indicator is moving, water is running somewhere in your home. If you have shut everything off, you could have a leak!