Is your home safe from water damage?

Water damage can be caused by everyday use, neglect and overland flooding. And all can have a devastating effect on your home. Preventative measures can help you keep damages to a minimum or, preferably, avoid them altogether. Read on for tips on how to minimize risk to your home.

• Install a sump pump to draw water away from the foundation of your house where it can cause erosion over time. A sump pump works by detecting water levels beneath the foundation and pumping it out when it gets too high. It’s important to install the drainage pipe a good distance away from the home so the water doesn’t just seep right back under it.
• Check the perimeter of your house on a rainy day for any pooling water. Ideally, the ground around the entire perimeter should slope away from the house. Adjust the grade in any trouble spots for a distance of at least two meters so instead of collecting, water can easily flow away. 
• Watch what you flush. Whether it is down the toilet or down the sink, make sure whatever is going into your water pipes won’t get stuck there. Never pour oïl or grease in large quantities - they will congeal and may live in your pipes forever. Keep a drain snake handy for worst-case scenarios - if you suspect a clog, it’s best to clear it up as soon as possible. 
• Clear your roof and gutters diligently. While falling leaves may not pose an immediate threat at this time of the year, everything from loose needles to bird nests can creep into your gutters over time and if water can’t escape through the gutters, it will find another way. Additionally, consider installing a leaf guard or a hinged gutter guard, available at your local hardware store, to minimize water seepage risk and future maintenance work. 
• Consider installing water sensors in areas of your home where water damage is most likely to occur including the dishwasher, washing machine, bathrooms and the basement. An alarm will sound when water is detected, and modern sensors can even send an alert to your phone. Make sure that you enter this month’s contest for your chance to win one of three D-Link Wi-Fi Water Sensors.