Here in the St. Louis area, weather can be unpredictable. We sometimes experience winters of above-average snow fall, and we typically deal with a good deal of ice along with it. Brutal winters, fast thaws, and spring rain mean the potential always exists for a few very wet months this time of year. And that could lead to spring water damage. The ground is already soggy, waterways are swelling, and all that moisture needs somewhere to go. That could mean water in your home.
When your basement floods or water seeps into unwanted places in your home, it doesn’t take long for spring water damage to occur. While Sams Carpet Cleaning & Repairs is here to help with water removal and cleanup when disaster strikes, we’d like to help customers avoid or minimize the risk of spring water damage. Here are some simple things to consider as we prepare for the weather to come this spring.
Spring Water Damage Prevention Tips
- Sump Pumps: If you do not already have one, consider installing a sump pump in your basement and keep a battery-operated backup in case of power outages. If you live in a house that has had flooding in the past, we suggest installing a water alarm which will alert you to when water is accumulating in your basement. It’s always a good idea to check your pump and your sump bucket occasionally to make sure your pump is working, and that there isn’t water collecting in the bucket.
- Storage Areas: Most home owners use their basement for storage and flooding will quickly turn keepsakes into a moldy mess which will need to be disposed of. It is best to keep valuables out of your basement – and that goes for electronics as well. For items you do store in your basement, you should make sure they’re off the ground on pallets or shelves and in plastic storage bins. This will help to ensure that if the worst occurs, you can easily remove items for clean-up.
- Gutters: Clean your gutters and remove any debris from your window wells and downspouts. Clogs lead to potential flooding and preventable spring water damage.
- Landscaping: Any landscaping near your home should be trimmed to assure that it is not touching your foundation or creating cracks in your foundation.
- Exterior: Landscapes change over time due to environmental factors. Inspect the exterior of your home on an annual basis to make sure that it is properly graded in a way that encourages water to flow away from the foundation.
- Washing Machines: If you are going to be away from your home on vacation for a period of time, turn off the water to your washing machine. We have seen many instances in which a washing machine hose has burst when a family was on vacation. This leaves water to seep into the home for an extended period of time. You can avoid this by simply turning off the water valve connected to the hose behind the machine.
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to spring water damage, but that does not mean that emergencies are 100 percent avoidable. If your home experiences unexpected water damage, do not panic. Sams is here 24 hours/365 days to help you in an emergency. We can be onsite quickly and get you back to normal to ensure that your home is just that, a place where you and your family are able to create memories and spend time with those you love.
