Prevent Water Damage Before It Happens

Summer is in full force in Anchorage and that means fun, family, and friends. You may be the type to go on a weekend camping trip, host friends at home for games or take part in outdoor recreation … and now is the perfect time to do so. What isn’t summer the perfect time for? Well there are a couple things on that list as well. At the top is water damage. It’s incredibly pesky and inconvenient whenever it crops up. The water which can be so fun to swim in and enjoy during the summer time, can also be the cause of stress and cost you when it gets in your home. We at TCM Restoration would like to introduce a list of five handy things you can do to prevent water damage before it even happens, so you can protect the precious last month of your summer and the safety of your home moving forward:

1. Clean your gutters and downspouts. In addition, maintain your roof. Leaves and dents in gutters can cause standing water pools, which can erode away at your gutters and into the structure of your home. Be familiar with your roof and water deflection system, and keep them clean so they can work properly and dry after they are exposed to rainfall. 
2. Maintain your trees and vegetation. Plants growing in close proximity to water pipes can be dangerous as roots can curl around pipes and break them, causing water to sink in wherever it is able. 
3. Pay attention to your appliances. Be sure to replace any tubing that looks discolored, is bulging, or is brittle and old. In addition, if you notice minor leaks, fix them right away. Replace parts along the way at the manufacturer’s recommendation or when prompted by your plumber or expert in a related field. A little bit of effort now is a major investment for the future. 
4. Care for your drains. Use a drain snake as opposed to chemicals. Chemicals can eat away at your drain pipes and cause bursting and leaks. Don’t dump fat or grease down your drains. 
5. If you go on vacation, turn off your water. Many a casual traveler has come back from an excursion of a week or two to find a flooded basement or the likes. A quick switch is a huge precaution. 

Water damage restoration is probably not your summer activity of choice. Follow these tips to minimize your chances of having to deal with it. That being said, sometimes even the homes with the best precautionary measures fall victim to water damage or flooding. It’s important to have someone in your corner to tackle it when it does happen. TCM Restoration ought to be your first call for emergencies in Anchorage, Alaska and the Mat Su Valley. We look forward to helping you get back to what you’re looking forward to this summer!