Water damage can do an overwhelming amount of destruction in Los Angeles during flood season. But even small leaks in your home can lead to serious structural damage if left alone… and most of the time your home owner’s insurance WILL NOT cover it. 

If you want to prevent water damage, you need to be proactive. Here are several things you can do today to protect your home from a flood disaster.

Actions to Take In Your Kitchen

Start by looking at the appliances in your kitchen. Your kitchen can potentially be a major source of water damage in your home. Begin by checking the floor around your refrigerator and dishwasher. If there are puddles or moisture, then have the appliance repaired by a professional immediately. Check the connections to your dishwasher and ice maker. Keep those connections tight to prevent leaks.

Protecting Your Bathroom

The bathroom in your L.A. home can be another location where water damage might occur. Check around your sinks, tubs, and toilets for signs of leaks or damage. Make repairs right away if you find anything. Look at the grout and seals around your tub. If it seems dry or cracking, then replace it. Be cautious about what goes into the toilet to prevent clogs that will flood the home. You also need to examine your fixtures for signs that there are leaks that could potentially cause water damage over time.

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Major Appliances in the Rest of Your Los Angeles Home

It’s a great idea to also inspect the other major appliances in your home on a regular basis. Examine the hoses connecting your washing machine to the water supply. If you see swelling, cracking or corrosion, then replace the hoses immediately. Choose braided hoses rather than simple rubber ones. You will also need to look carefully at your water heater. Check the entire unit searching for corrosion, dents or small leaks. Replace your water heater if it is damaged or if it is more than 15 years old.

Check Your Plumbing for Leaks

You should check your plumbing for leaks that are not obvious once a month or every few months. Start by turning off all the faucets, appliances and water values in your home except for the mains. Wait for at least one hour to pass. Go to your water meter and see whether it is showing that water is still being used. High water usage indicates that you presumably have a leak somewhere. Call a plumber in the Los Angeles area to inspect your plumbing if this occurs.

Install and Maintain Sump Pumps

One of the most effective ways to protect your home from water damage is with sump pumps. You want to install a sump pump in your basement or the lowest floor of your house. Install a backup sump pump as well in case the primary one fails or a large amount of water enters the home. You should also inspect and maintain the pumps so that they are always ready for action. Have your sump pumps replaced or professionally serviced at least once every decade.

Take Care of Your Roof

Complications with your roof can allow water to pour into your home whenever it rains or snows. This water can cause massive amounts of damage to the structure of your house in a short time, even if it starts out as a drip at first. Keep your roof clean by removing any debris such as fallen branches. Visually inspect your roof each season. If you see signs of damage, then contact roofers for repairs. Check your attic for signs of as well. Additionally, keep your trees pruned back so that they do not come into contact with your roof.

Watch Your Gutters and Downspouts

Faulty gutters and downspouts can allow water to pool on your property and damage the foundation of your home. You want to inspect your gutters every season. If there are loose brackets, holes or other problems, then fix them as soon as possible. Clean the gutters regularly and install gutter guards. Make sure the connection between the gutters and downspouts are secure.

Be Prepared For an Emergency

A final step is to be prepared for an emergency. You want to have the number for a trusted water damage restoration company in Los Angeles available. This will allow you to restore your home to normal very quickly. You also want to learn where the water mains are in your home so that you can shut them down in an emergency. If you are prepared for an emergency, then you can minimize or even prevent any water damage.

We hope these tips have been helpful! If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us 24/7.