7 tips for preventing water damage to your home in winter
Many Canadians have past experiences dealing with water damage to their home. If you’ve been fortunate (and diligent) enough to avoid this calamity, you’ve most likely heard some horror stories from friends or family about a flooded basement or burst pipe. In fact, the experience is so common that water damage is the number one reason Canadians file home insurance claims.
Winter can be an especially dangerous time for floods and leaks. In addition to the year-round threats always lurking, you have to deal with snow build up, pipes freezing and the added weight of ice and snow on your roof.
So take the steps outlined below to ensure you don’t become one of the many Canadians that will be filing a claim this winter. Protect your home by:
Clearing gutters and downspouts
Debris in the gutters, like leaves and ice, create blockages that cause the usually flowing water to pool. This can lead to excessive pressure in one location that can cause damage to the gutters and lead to leaks that penetrate the roof and ceiling of the house.
In the winter, keeping the gutters clear can be challenging. It is a task best scheduled for late fall and early spring. But if you have reason to believe there is a blockage in the dead of winter, it may be worth hiring a contractor to look at. Certainly, paying the fee is a hassle, but not so great a hassle as dealing with water damage.
Disconnecting hoses
Unless you’re trying to make a skating pond in your yard, you probably won’t have much use for hoses in the winter. Disconnect them if you aren’t using them. This prevents water from freezing in the line, creating a blockage that can cause backflow, which may lead to a leak inside your home.
Checking pipes
Over time, pipes may become corroded and leaky, which can lead to water entering your home. Be sure to check up on your pipes every year, and replace them once they start to look worn. You should also take steps to protect existing pipes, such as installing insulation. This is especially important in winter, as insulation can prevent freezing, which is a major cause of cracks.
Checking your hot water tank
Likewise, you should take time to conduct an annual checkup on your hot water tank. These tanks tend to last 10 years or so, and like pipes, can become the source of a leak if not properly cared for.
Being diligent with leaks
If you do discover a leak somewhere, or any sort of issue that may lead to a leak, then act decisively. Ignoring the problem might save you a few bucks right now, but any small issue can turn into a big problem if ignored.
If you notice a leak, shut off the water and locate the problem. If you spot a potential issue, take steps to remedy the issue now, rather than deal with a financial emergency later.
Clearing snow from the foundation
Sometimes spotting the culprit doesn’t require investigation. Sometimes it’s as easy as taking a look around when you come home from work.
Built-up snow and ice can cause a leak if concentrated in areas of the foundation that are particularly vulnerable. Ground windows or steps leading to the basement, for example, are points of entry for external water.
Preparing for your winter getaway
If you’re lucky enough to be heading somewhere warm over the winter, remember that your home is back in Canada, suffering through the cold. Shut off the water before you head out, as stagnant pools are more likely to freeze than flowing water.