Disconnect Hoses
One of the first things you will want to do is to disconnect the hoses outside your home. Even though you will need to water your garden or use the hose to wash off your car, you don’t need them all of the time. Leaving them connected can lead to unexpected flooding problems. So when they aren’t in use, disconnect any unnecessary hoses. Standing water can also freeze, which can cause problems all around your home, both inside and out. Although spring is here, the early morning temperatures can still be chilly enough to turn standing water into ice.
Clean Out Gutters
Now that that is taken care of, you will want to clean out the gutters. You will also want to make sure that the downspouts are cleared out as well. By completing these tasks, you can do more to ensure that water damage doesn’t affect your home this spring. That’s because by emptying out your gutters and downspouts, you can protect the foundations of your home. Although foundation waterproofing is possible, you still want to take every precaution you can against water damage underneath your home. A cracked foundation leads to a flooding basement during periods of heavy rain, and it can get even worse if you don’t know where your water main is.
Know Where the Water Main Is
Once you have finished these other tasks, take the time to locate your water main. It doesn’t matter if you are moving into a new home or if you have been in the same house for over a decade. Knowing where to find the water main is half the battle.
Fix Leaks
Finding and fixing leaks could be beyond you. If that’s the case, then you’ll need to wait for professional assistance. In the meantime, there are some things you can do. Epoxy and sandpaper might be all you need to patch up a leaky pipe. Then there are other times you will need a plumber’s expertise. Part of stopping leaks before they happen is not to need a plumber, but to have some knowledge yourself. This can be useful when you have to check the water pressure gauges.
Monitor Water Pressure
One last piece of advice is to monitor the water pressure inside your home. Gauges can tell you when a pipe is about to burst, and a burst pipe can cause unfathomable water damage if you don’t do something about it. It may be necessary to get a regulator. However, if you still have water damage, then it’s time to take the next step.