10 Tips to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home This Christmas

Christmas is a time for family gatherings, festive decorations and cozy nights by the fire. It is also a time when your home is at increased risk for water damage. Between the cold weather and the hustle of holiday preparations, it is easy to overlook potential hazards. At Baxter Construction Restoration and Cleaning, we want your holidays to stay merry and bright, so here are ten tips to protect your home.

1. Inspect and insulate pipes

As temperatures drop, pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting, which leads to significant water damage. Cold weather does not discriminate, and pipes exposed to the cold are at risk whether you are on the naughty or nice list. Wrap exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or heat tape, especially in unheated areas like basements and attics. Keep your home's temperature consistent and consider opening cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate. Most plumbing services can help apply heat tape and similar products.

2. Clear gutters and downspouts

Water always chooses the path of least resistance. It has to drain from your roof efficiently to prevent backflow into your attic. Clogged gutters make it hard for water to leave the roof and can make it pool near the foundation, which risks water in a crawlspace or basement and damage to the foundation itself. Clean leaves, twigs and debris out of gutters and downspouts, and make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Something as simple as cleaning your gutters can save thousands of dollars in repairs and keep your insurance premiums from rising.

3. Check your roof

Your roof can handle a lot, but it is not invincible. Years of wind and small abrasions can cause damage you will not know about until it is too late. A damaged roof leaks, especially in heavy rain or snow, and in the worst cases we have seen partial and even full roof collapse. Inspect for missing or damaged shingles and repair them promptly. Remove accumulated snow to prevent ice dams, which form when snow melts and refreezes at the roof edge and blocks drainage.

4. Maintain your sump pump

A sump pump sits in a low point of a basement or, in some cases, a crawlspace. A float turns it on and off when the water reaches a certain depth. A malfunctioning pump can result in basement flooding and put you at risk of secondary water damage and mold. Test it by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and making sure it activates. Clean the pump and pit, check the drainage line for blockages and consider a battery backup for power outages. Check the power cord and the outlet or breaker it is connected to. If you find damage, have it inspected by a plumber or have your electrical system inspected by a licensed electrician.

5. Clean up your landscaping

When you are decking the halls, do not forget to trim your trees. Landscaping rarely gets thought of for water damage prevention, yet it is one of the easiest factors to fix. Improper landscaping can direct water toward your foundation and lead to moisture in crawlspaces and basements. Make sure the ground slopes away from your home. Trim trees and bushes so roots do not interfere with your foundation or underground pipes. Remove fallen leaves that trap moisture and act as tinder in a fire. Most landscaping companies are happy to help.

6. Inspect windows and doors

Your walls only hold so much heat if doors and windows have gaps around the edges. Gaps let water find a way in during heavy rain and snow, and they let cold air in, which drops your interior temperature and raises your energy bill. Check for and seal cracks or gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. If the weatherstripping or caulking looks worn or has gaps, replace it. In extreme cases, consider storm windows or doors for added protection.

7. Monitor your water heater

Water heaters are one of the leading causes of water loss here in the Yakima Valley. A faulty heater can leak and cause significant damage, and because most people put them out of sight the losses can go unnoticed for a while, which raises the chance of water damage, mold damage and replacing the heater. Regularly inspect it for rust, corrosion or leaks. Flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup. Consider replacing units older than 10 to 15 years, and consult a trusted plumber if you have concerns.

8. Use smart home technology

Everyone thinks of automating their Christmas lights, so why not apply the same idea to leak detection? Moisture sensors are an affordable tool against unwanted water, and they can notify you when the darkest corner of your home has excess moisture. With water damage, time is not on your side, so the faster you are notified the easier the fix can be. Install smart water sensors near basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms and other problem areas. When you set out milk and cookies this year, consider setting out some moisture detectors as well.

9. Be mindful of holiday decorations

The biggest difference between an artificial tree and a real tree for water damage is that you need to water a real one, and the basins that hold the water can leak onto your floor. Real trees also run a higher risk of catching your home on fire, and even a small fire can send smoke throughout the whole home and damage all contents and the interior. If you use a live tree, keep it well watered to prevent drying and fire hazards. Avoid overloading electrical outlets, which can lead to short circuits, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby and easy to reach.

10. Plan for travel

Most people do not forget their eight year old on vacation like the parents in Home Alone, but they do tend to forget to winterize the house before leaving. Unattended homes are at higher risk of unnoticed water damage, and those losses can be far worse because of how long they go unaddressed. Wine and cheese age well, and water damage does not. If you are traveling for the holidays, turn off the main water supply and drain the pipes to prevent freezing. Have a trusted neighbor or friend check your home periodically and give them a contact list in case of emergencies.

Merry Christmas from Baxter

By taking these steps you can enjoy peace of mind and focus on what matters most this season, time with loved ones. Do not let unexpected water damage steal your Christmas. Take the proper steps before disaster strikes and damage snowballs out of control. From all of us at Baxter Construction Restoration and Cleaning, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If water does find its way in, call (509) 452-2464.