Have you ever had to deal with water damage in your Colorado investment property? If so, then you know that it can be costly and frustrating. Just one inch of water damage can be enough to result in detrimental damage to your flooring, furniture, carpeting and more.
In the US alone, studies show that 14,000 people a day will experience a water damage emergency. Additionally, the annual cost of water damage is around $13 billion, and the average home insurance claim for water related issues in a property is $10,000.
Luckily, as a property owner, there are many ways that you can prevent water damage from occurring in one of your properties.
In this post, we are listing many preventative measures to take in order to help you avoid a water damage crisis. We will also highlight things you can look for to spot the issue.
Potential Causes of Water Damage
Let’s start with the potential causes of water damage in your property.
When you notice a leak, it is imperative to track it down right away to avoid the problem becoming larger and more detrimental. The best way to do this is to hire a plumber or property inspector to find and diagnose the issue.
Common water damage causes can include:
- Sewage backups
- Your plumbing fixtures malfunctioning, such as your sink or toilet
- Water building up on the floor
- Buckling or cupped wood floors (especially in slab-foundation homes)
- Old or damaged supply hoses on washing machines
- Water freezing
- Corrosion in your plumbing
- Improper pipe insulation
- Pipes that have leaked, clogged or burst
- Pressure caused by a blocked garbage disposal or other appliances
- Unkempt gutters
- Harsh chemicals
- Rodents damaging your plumbing
It is always important to be on the look-out for signs of water damage.
Signs of water damage include:
- Mold or mildew that keeps returning, even after being cleaned
- Water stains on your ceilings
- Blistering or cracked paint on your walls
- Water pooling on the floor
- Dry rot in the wooden areas of your property
- Unexpected and sudden increase in your water bill
9 Tips to Prevent Water Damage
Here are a variety of preventative measures that you can take to avoid water damage in your property:
1. Check your Gutters and Downspouts
If possible, rain gutters should always be aimed downward. This will let the water drain away from your property, rather than seeping into your foundations.
Additionally, your downspouts should be extended so that they are away from the property. With an effective drainage system, you can prevent water from pooling around the property, ensuring that your downspouts are sending the water as far from your property as possible.
Further, your gutters should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent debris, like leaves or dirt, from building up and clogging them. Your downspouts should also be frequently checked for damage.
2. Grade your Yard
When it comes to preventing water damage, it is important to check the grading of your yard. On level ground, water can quickly build up when it is raining outside. A yard with a natural slope is ideal for draining water in a heavy downpour.
3. Check your Roof
While roofs may often be overlooked, a poor quality roof can lead to many water damage issues in a property.
It’s important that you check your roof regularly. Don’t wait until you notice a stain on your ceiling. By checking your roof at least once a year and making small, frequent repairs, you can prevent much larger and more costly damages to your home.
4. Check Walls for Cracks
Cracks in the exterior or interior walls of your property can result in water leaking into the foundation, affecting its structural integrity and causing serious and costly problems.
5. Ensure your Sump Pump is Working
A sump pump is created to efficiently remove any water build up in the sump pit of your property’s basement. If it is not working correctly, a damaged sump pump may cause unwanted dampness in your basement area.
6. Check for Flooding around the Perimeter of the Property
Water pooling around the perimeter walls and drains of your property can be a sign of future detrimental flooding. If you happen to notice any water gathering around the exterior walls, it must be addressed immediately.
In this case, you can call a professional to fix potential structural problems and seal the walls with waterproofing compounds.
7. Dispose of Cooking Oils Correctly
Did you know that cooking oils can often be the culprit behind plumbing issues? When cooking oils cool down, they solidify. This means that if any grease, oils, or fats are poured down the drain, they can clog your pipes once they harden.
To prevent this, pour excess cooking oils into a container of your choice and throw them in the garbage once they have solidified.
8. Keep Floor Drains Clear
It is important to always keep your floor drains clear of any potential obstructions. Make a habit of frequently cleaning them of dirt or dust. This can prevent lots of potential costly water damage.
9. Always Seal Windows Properly
If your windows are broken, your property is bound to face water damage issues. To prevent this, make sure all of your windows are sealed properly and do not have any cracks in them.
Bottom Line
As you know, water damage can be detrimental to your Wellington, Windsor, or other Colorado rental property. However, there are many ways to prevent such problems.
Hiring a knowledgeable property manager to help upkeep your properties and keep an eye out for signs of potential plumbing issues is an excellent way to keep your rental properties in top shape. With frequent inspections and small repairs, you can avoid dealing with large, costly water damage issues in the future.
If you’re looking for a property manager to maintain your rental properties and help you avoid unexpected damages, call Onsite Property Management today.
