According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, water damage is the leading cause of personal property claims in Canada. Less than an inch of water can cause significant damage to your home and financial well-being and even that little water cause real problems by producing hidden black mold. Water can also damage the structural integrity of your home and lower the value of your house and property.
These Water Damage Tips Will Help
Drain your hot water tank at least once a year to keep it running at peak efficiency and to help avoid premature rusting. If your hot water heater is more than 7 years old and is giving you any service troubles, replace it, in the long run it is cheaper and less stressful than a rupture or leak. Adding a thermal expansion tank will also add to your tank and system safety. If your tank is more than 10 years old, seriously consider replacement.
Avoid running dishwashers and washing machines while you are out, these appliances are prone to leaks. Regular maintenance on these appliances including replacing your rubber lines with new stainless braided ones can help prevent accidents. It is unfortunate to come home to a flood from a dishwasher when all you were trying to do is save some time.
We at B.C. Redi-Rooter Ltd. advise that the most important water line protection is an internally clean, well-functioning pressure reducing valve set at no more than 50 psi. Plumbers at B.C. Redi-Rooter Ltd see so much water line and appliance damage that we set our own homes at 40 psi. High water pressure is like high blood pressure, it is the silent killer. If your pressure reducing valve is malfunctioning or broken, you are at very high risk of water damage. Ask one of our technicians to check your pressure while they are at your home.
B.C. Redi-Rooter Ltd advises that everyone in the household must know where the main water shut-off is, where the main gas line shut-off is and where the main electrical breaker is and the proper and safe way to use these safety features in your home. It is also strongly advisable to have a clear path to all shut-offs, as time is of the essence when you are trying to contain an emergency. A clear path and the knowledge of how to use your shut-offs can save you thousands of dollars in damages.
An experienced B.C. Redi-Rooter Ltd main sewer line camera inspection or a pre-purchase camera inspection tells a thousand words. A sewer back-up is a horrific experience and potentially dangerous for the health of all in your home, especially children and the elderly. Your sewer is sharing a connection at the municipal connection with all of the homes in your area, and discharging and ‘breathing’ or venting with all of them. In essence, all diseases like hepatitis, can be transferred from one homes sewer system to another home sewer system through the common municipal connection. A camera inspection can aid to verify if your system is working in a satisfactory condition. Many of our pre-purchase camera inspections have helped buyers save thousands on the purchase of their home and helped sellers prove that there system is up to snuff and therefore avoiding future legal problems.
Poorly maintained perimeter drains and sumps continuously flood homes throughout the Province. An experienced camera inspection will help determine what course of action is best for you.
