How to Avoid Water Damage in Your Home This Winter

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Winter Water Damage

Winter months in Wisconsin can be wicked. Snowstorms, icy conditions, and temperatures well below zero can all contribute to water damage in your home. Fortunately, there are some ways you can protect your property and hopefully prevent a water damage situation.    

Know where your home’s water main is located.

Ask any plumbing professional what the most important plumbing feature is in your home—they’ll all agree it’s your water main valve. This water main valve supplies water to your entire home as it’s distributed to other pipes. Should your pipes freeze or any water-dependent appliances malfunction (i.e., washing machines, dishwashers), you need to know where this water main is so you can shut all your home’s water off immediately.

Keep pipes from freezing.

Make sure any exposed pipes in your home are well insulated—pick up pipe sleeves from your local hardware store. When frigid temps are in the forecast, make sure you leave the cabinet doors open under all of your sinks so warm air can circulate to keep your pipes from freezing. While you’re away on vacation during winter months, keep your thermostat set so your heat stays on at a low but warm enough temperature to keep indoor pipes from freezing.

Remove ice and snow from problem areas surrounding your home.

If not properly removed, accumulating snow and ice can cause water damage to your home. A common example of this is on rooftops. Over time, the snow can create an edge on your roof that prevents melting snow from draining properly and causes roof leakage.  Basement windows are another area where snow and ice should be removed, as leaks can happen easily, especially if there are any cracks in your foundation. If melting snow gets into the cracks in your foundation and freezes, that freezing causes expansion. This expansion can lead to some major damage to your home’s foundation and inside areas.

When Water Damage Hits Your Home…

If you experience water damage this winter or any other time of the year, it’s important to act immediately—the longer water sits in your home, the more damage it causes.  Our water damage restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Southeastern Milwaukee County are standing by to help you 24/7. They’ll quickly assess the damage, then use the latest technology to monitor and dry the affected area while simultaneously dehumidifying the surrounding space. Call us at (414) 421-3500.