Regular inspection of household fixtures and appliances remains important to prevent water damage. Here are five ways to avoid overspending on water damage repair and clean-up work.
Hire a Specialist
The average rate of professional water damage clean-up in Denver, Colorado, costs around $3,550 for 215 square feet of space. Instead of hiring a plumber, you should find a water-damage specialist who can rule out any likelihood of mold growth. Specialists can also deal with three categories of water damage.
The first category deals with broken pipes and faucets, while the second one involves broken appliances such as a washing machine or dishwasher. A plumber can fix the first two common causes of damage, but you should hire a specialist for the third category that refers to black water. Category-3 damage refers to hazardous wastewater arising from sewage backups, flooding, or storm surges. There are also four classes of water damage that only a licensed specialist can diagnose for you. Simple faucet leaks and damages that are isolated in a certain room fall under the first two classes, while the other two involve more extensive repairs for moisture-saturated areas.
Consider Replacing the Pipes
You should replace copper pipes with plastic PEX variants as the latter is more prone to pinhole leaks. Copper pipes with soldered joints are more likely to leak, especially if you have been using them for more than 20 years. Corrosion also plays a big role in leaky pipes.
Reposition Downspouts
How far away should downspouts carry water away from your home’s foundation? If rainwater flows directly to the ground, there’s a higher risk for leaks to occur and damaging the foundation. Heavy water flow also hastens soil erosion and further contributes to the problem.
You can prevent this by installing a 90-degree downspout elbow on the ground that should redirect rainwater to the drainage area. A downspout extension that moves water at least two feet away from the foundation will be a better solution.
Take Care of Sump Pumps
Sump pumps serve as your last resort for preventing groundwater flooding, so you should regularly check its functionality. A well-maintained sump pump should send signals when water levels rise in the circular sump pit. The signals often happen by triggering an electric motor through a buoyant float. It should then remove excess water from the house.
Sump pumps must be always in an upright position. You should also check if the buoyant float is working since it sends the warning signal to the electrical motor. In case of power outages, don’t forget to check if the sump pump reconnects to the GFCI electrical outlet as soon as you have electricity again.
Preventive maintenance against water damages requires more than just five simple steps, but these tips should be a good start to protect your property from expensive repairs and clean-up service. Consult a water damage specialist for a more comprehensive solution. A small inspection fee is a worthwhile expense instead of paying thousands of dollars on restoration work.