There are a number of things that you can do to minimize the possibility of a leak in the pipes in your house, but it's impossible to be completely sure that it will never happen. Regardless of whether you've just had a major leak or whether you're just anticipating it, you can be ready for the next time it happens by taking a few simple steps. The more you prepare, the less you'll have to deal with water damage.
Locate Your Water Main Shut Off Valve
Just about the last thing you want to have to worry about when water is gushing out of your pipes is where the water shut-off valve is located. You need to make sure you figure this out well ahead of time. Being able to go to it and turn off the water right away could make a big difference of gallons are pouring out of your pipes every minute.
It could mean the difference between hundreds of extra gallons spewing onto your floor or much less than that. Generally, there are specific shut-off valves for certain appliances and the overall shut-off valve for the house. Most main valves are right next to the water meter, so if you know where that is you're in luck.
If you don't, and you live in a cold-weather climate, the meter and the valve will definitely be located inside, probably near your water heater.
Use Floor Pans
Another modern approach you can use that often helps is installing floor pans underneath appliances that use a lot of water. These devices excel at stopping nearly undetectable leaks that damage your house over a long period of time.
These are major projects, so you will need to commit to them ahead of time. This means that you should only do it in a house you plan on living in for a while.
Set Up Electronic Leak Detection
There are many devices these days that can inform you when a leak happens. You can get a warning on your phone so that you can go stop the leak quickly rather than only finding about it later. Some devices can even shut off the individual mains automatically.
Research Water Damage Professionals Ahead of Time
Small amounts of time can matter when it comes to water damage, and hunting around for the number of a professional who can help you with clean up and recover is something that can take more time than you might think. Keep information for a local contractor, like Servicemaster Of Martinsburg & Hagerstown, on hand.
Ultimately, you likely won't be able to eliminate water damage entirely, but minimizing it through a quick and effective response is often the best approach.
