3 Ways to Prevent Water Damage to Your CT Home
Is your home properly prepared the imminent heavy storms this winter? If not, you could be a heap of trouble with large expenses to pay. The biggest culprit during this season is water damage which weakens your home’s foundation – the core that keeps your house together. It can cause irreparable structural damage, dampen the wood and causes mold and mildew. However, preventing water damage is a lot cheaper than getting your home repaired. Here are 3 ways to avoid water damage from hurting your CT home this winter.
Test Sump Pump
Sump pumps come alive when you need them most: during storms. You don’t want to wait until then to realize something isn’t working properly. Test it by slowly filling the sump pump pit with water, and watch for the float to rise. This should turn on the pump. Then, wait for the water level to fall. If you have a backup pump, test it the same way but make sure the main pump is unplugged first. Backup pumps usually costs around $150-$300. Make sure you check at least once a year, and do several other checks during storm season.
Make Sure the Drainage Is Good
Poor drainage can weaken the foundation, causing cracks and small crevices for water to creep into your CT home. The price to repair a deteriorated foundation? Over $20,000. Check your gutters every month – a clogged gutter sends water down the side of your house, ruining the siding and foundation. All downspouts should direct water 10 feet away from the home. Cleaning gutters is a no-cost DIY job but you can hire a professional for $50 or more, depending on the size and height of the home. Also, your yard should be sloped at least a half-foot away from the foundation to keep water from getting near your CT home.
Check for Water Leaks
Constant leaks lead to mold, rotting, termites and carperter ants who love to chew on soft, soggy wood. Check for dark spots underneath every pipe inside sinks, ceiling stains, drips and rocky toilets. Then, inspect your roof. Look for and repair all damaged shingles, and replace any cracked caulking. Leaks around the flashing should be repaired immediately as well. Roof repair can cost around $400-$1,000.
