Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibility. When you live in a rental unit, whether it is an apartment, a house, a condo, or another type of complex, you are typically not responsible for handling maintenance issues. Even if you cause them, the landlord will usually handle the solution, though you may be required to help cover the costs if the incident was your fault.
When you own a home in Kansas City, everything falls on your shoulders. You are responsible for all maintenance in the home because you are the owner of the property. You can always pay professionals to handle the problem, but it is up to you to make that decision.
One of the most common problems that homeowners face across the city and surrounding area is water damage. Water damage can occur because of clogged drains, sewer backups, heavy rainfall, burst pipes, or even poor insulation. Preventing water damage should be a top priority to avoid hefty repair costs. Here are a few strategies to help.
Inspect Plumbing Systems Regularly
Homes contain plumbing systems that are comprised of many pipes, valves, appliances, and fixtures. Any of these elements can be the cause of a leak that results in water damage to the property. Among other fascinating plumbing statistics, the average US family of four uses 400 gallons of water every day. That means there is a high potential for problems in the plumbing system. Try to inspect this system regularly to check for degrading pipes or small leaks. If you ever spot any, get in touch with a local plumber quickly who can diagnose the issue and suggest a solution.
Clean Gutters Every Year
Clogged gutters are a common culprit for water damage. When the drainage on your roof is compromised, water can collect on the roof or spill near the foundation of the home since it is not allowed to flow through the gutters and away from the house. Cleaning out your gutters each year should become a regular practice. It only takes a few minutes, but it could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in water damage if ignored.
Build a Soil Grade Around the Foundation
The foundation of your home is a crucial part of the structure. Protecting it from water damage is essential. One simple way to do so is to improve the drainage around the base of the house when it rains. Change the grading of the ground so that it slopes away from the house rather than being flat or sloping in. This can prevent most rainwater from collecting near the foundation and potentially leaking into the basement or other parts of the house.
Update Old Siding
Siding is meant to protect the inside of your home from the elements, including rain. If your siding is old or wearing away, then water can easily get into your house through the gaps. If it has been a long time since this material has been replaced, or your home has an outdated type of siding, then contact a Kansas City siding contractor to replace it so that your home will be better protected from water damage. As a bonus, this upgrade can raise the value of your home.
Invest in a Sump Pump
When water does back up in your home or leak into it, having tools to get rid of the water quickly can prevent the issue from escalating into a full-scale disaster. A sump pump is usually placed in a drain basin in your basement to help get water out of the home when it collects. This can be especially helpful if you experience a sewage backup or heavy flooding that pours water into the basement of your home. Basements are often the first rooms to experience flooding, so protect them by buying a sump pump.
Maintain/Replace Old Water Appliances
Machines like dishwashers and washing machines use quite a bit of water when they are on. The older these appliances are, the more likely they are to have wear and tear concerns that could cause a leak in your kitchen or laundry room. Often, the damage that results from a large leak can cost a ton of money to fix, especially if possessions and structural materials in the home are compromised. Performing regular maintenance on these appliances, or paying a professional to do so, can prevent this from happening. If the fixes are too costly, then consider buying a newer, more efficient model to replace it.
Don’t Let Water Damage Ruin Your Investment
You put a lot of money into buying this home in the Kansas City area. The last thing you want is to spend thousands of dollars more on issues that could have been prevented. Take the steps listed above so that you can take care of the property and prevent water damage to the best of your ability. Trust me, the first time you face massive water damage repairs, you will wish that you had taken more preventative steps when you look at the impact on your bank account.
