Water can damage your house in winter. Uninsulated water pipes may freeze and burst, and ice dams can form on your own roof. Moreover, thawed snow can enter your basement, causing water damage from flooding. But do not worry yet -- Here Is What you can do to stop winter water damage in your home:
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Insulate water pipes in unheated areas, such as the crawl space, basement, garage, loft, and under kitchen and bath cabinets.
Allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbingby opening bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors. Move the goods stored in such cabinets up, out of the reach of children and pets.
Allow cold water trickle from the faucets served by exposed pipes. Running a trickle of water through pipes helps stop them from freezing.
Place the thermostat to the same temperature during the day and during the night. Your heating costs may rise, but you'll prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
If you're leaving home for a day or two even more , set the thermostat to 55° F. Shut off the water supply and drain pipes and appliances that use water. In addition, have someone you trust check your house once per week.
Preventing Ice Buildup
Remove the snow from your roof when it is about six inches deep.
Make certain that downspouts are clear so that melted water can drain properly.
More long-term solutions to stop ice dams comprise:
Insulate the loft to prevent warm air from penetrating. Warm air can melt the snow around the roof, which refreezes, forming ice dams.
Make sure your attic is properly ventilated. Warm air should escape through vents near the top of the attic. Cold air must flow in through vents near the eaves.
Put in a water membrane underneath the roofing shingles. It will help prevent water from seeping in.
Install a snow protect to prevent leaks. The shield extends under the shingles starting from the low edge of the roof and extending up three or more feet within the exterior wall of the house.
Install gutter displays to help keep the debris out which leads to build-up and damage.
Other Winter Water Damage Safety Tips
Install water leak detectors anyplace a water problem may occur, like on sump pumps, close water-bearing fittings, and behind or beneath pipes.
Check water supply lines yearly for leaks. Inspect your hot water heater, washing machine, ice cream on your fridge, and other appliances which can flow.
Get sewage back-up policy , which is often not included on your homeowner's insurance. Heavy rains and melting snow may overload your storm water system, causing water or sewage to back up into your home.
Disconnect outdoor hoses if you aren't using them. This prevents water from freezing at the line, developing a blockage that could lead to backflow.
Clear snow around your house's foundation. Melting snow and ice may cause leaks in exposed areas of your foundation.
As winter water damage also generates the risk of mold growth, have a look at how to avoid mold growth in winter.
