Even a small leak can become a major problem, so knowing what you’re covered for and how to prevent water damage are equally important.  The below tips should help uncover any potential water problems down the road and keep your property dry this summer.

• Check appliance hoses.
  • Standard hoses are not as durable as they used to be. 
  • Replace rubber hoses with steel-braided hoses.
  • This is a low cost fix that can save thousands in water damage. 
• Broken tiles in the shower can allow water to leak into the walls or on the floor.
  • Replace cracked tiles and re-grout when needed. 
• Run dishwasher and washing machine only when you are home. 
  • If a leak occurs, you can turn the appliance off right away. 
• When on vacation, turn off the main water supply to your house. 
• Keep storm drains near your house clear of leaves. 
• Install a gutter guard.
  • This can prevent a rooftop disaster caused by drain clogs, and also prevents flooding by water that isn’t carried away from the house. 
• Install a water pressure gauge.
  • An inexpensive gauge can prevent damage caused by water pressure that’s too high. 
  • Pressure should be between 60 and 80 PSI. 
• Have the correct insurance coverage.
  • We currently represent and offer free Home, Auto & Renters insurance quotes from over 10 different companies!
  • By doing so, we are able to find the company that is best for you.

The post Water Damage Prevention Tips first appeared on Statewide Insurance Agency.

Ignoring your gutters, though, is almost as bad as not having any. If gutters are not clear of leaves, debris, nests or other buildup, the water will create a “dam” situation and rainwater will overflow. So, grab a ladder, throw on some gloves, and up get up there – it’s time to clean your gutters!

Start scooping out loose debris once you’ve reached the top of your ladder. As you get comfortable with being at roof-level, only remove the most loose of objects – you don’t want to start yanking on debris that might be stuck in the gutters until everything easier-to-remove has been pulled. It is recommended to bring a bucket up with you, so you can pile the loose debris into an easy-to-throw away pile. Tip: debris is easier to remove when it’s damp.

It’s also important to check your drainpipes. You may need to blast out the pipes with a hose, or use a plumber’s “snake” to remove the hard-to-reach items. The pipes are an often-forgotten step in drain cleaning, as the water needs someplace to go after it flows through your newly-cleaned gutters!

Finally, get in the habit of blasting out your gutters with a hose. This is something you can do during the initial clean, after you’ve scraped away all of the loose debris; however, it’s also something you can do once a week to maintain the cleanliness of your gutters. Simply carry the hose with you as ascend the ladder, point it in one direction within the gutters, and spray away!

Remember, keeping your gutters clean is an easy way to maintain the quality of your roof, walls, windows and foundation.

The post Are your gutters and drainpipes clean? first appeared on Statewide Insurance Agency.