Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport TN
Many people identify springtime as the season of new growth and fresh starts but did you know that spring also can be a time of year when homes and businesses are more susceptible to water damage? The spring thaw leads to rising river levels and other potential flooding events that can lead to the infiltration of water—potentially doing catastrophic damage and leading to significant restoration expense. If your property has a basement, you are more vulnerable to water damage from the spring thaw. Whether or not you have a basement, though, you can follow these tips to keep your property dry this spring.
Clean your gutters: Your gutters accumulate with fallen leaves and other debris. Once they become stopped up, gutters can overflow, leading to water damage. Make sure that all the connections on your gutters are watertight. Any on-ground drainage such as storm drains should be used to re-route rainfall and melting snow and ice away from your home.
Lengthen downspouts: As part of that re-routing effort, your East Tennessee restoration professionals at Spotless Carpet Cleaners recommend that downspouts run for at least 10 feet past the foundation of the home and directed to sloping land—preferably far away from the walls of your basement or lowest level. Ideally, try to bury downspout extensions or connect them to a dry well, which will retain water before it begins to back up. Check any extension pipes buried below ground on a regular basis to make sure they are draining properly.
Landscaping: Landscaping improves the “curb appeal” of your home but also can be used to divert water away from your home and its foundation, protecting your foundation as well as your basement. Never shovel snow and leave the pile close to your home in the winter, as this snow melt easily can lead to a flood or water damage.
Dehumidify: A dehumidifier is used to control the level of humidity in a certain interior area, such as a basement, and thereby prevent excessive moisture that can damage walls, floors, and belongings from accumulating in the first place. Using a quality dehumidifier on a regular basis helps to prevent excessive musty odors, as well as sweating pipes, mold, and rust. For property owners who live in northern or mountainous areas, consider buying a dehumidifier with a deicer feature, which will prevent the dehumidifier from freezing during the winter. Keep basement windows and doors closed year-round to safeguard against the accumulation of warm, humid air that may cause condensation on cooler surfaces such as basement floors and walls.
Pipe checks: A plumbing problem is usually a big inconvenience with a significant price tag to repair. Make sure your entire plumbing system remains in good working order and is well insulated from freezing during the cold season. Check your system regularly for leaks, as a plumbing leak is one of the most frequent culprits behind water damage.
To further safeguard your property against potential water damage, have it investigated by a professional waterproofing expert to prevent water damage in your home or basement. Also, be sure that you inspect your home regularly for any leaking pipes, cracks in your foundation or basement, as well as any signs for potential water damage.
Water Restoration Company in the Tri-Cities
However, if you do experience a disaster, we want your flood! Spotless Carpet Cleaners is proud to offer water restoration services. In the unfortunate event that you do experience water damage—whether it is this spring, another season or any day of the year—Spotless is proud to offer 24-hour emergency service. To learn more about our services or schedule an on-site evaluation, call our office today at (423) 926-9251.
