Preventing Water Damage in Your Basement

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Many of the home maintenance systems, based in the basement generate moisture and lead to water related problems. A water problem in the basement is a red flag as it often provides accurate indications for a potential water problem somewhere else in your home
Learn how to prevent water damage in your basement.

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The wet basement can develop into a complete disaster especially since many maintenance systems are installed in it. For example: electrical wires, water and sewage pipes, garbage disposal etc. Read these following guide lines to learn how to prevent water damage caused by HVAC systems, ventilation systems, pipes condensations, sump pumps, walls, ceiling, and the foundations.

Be thorough when performing these inspections and be sure to inspect your basement regularly

HVAC Systems

Heating and air conditioning systems must be inspected frequently. Check the drain pans and remove debris to allow free flow. Inspect the filters and replace whenever needed. When inspecting the HVAC, look at the ductwork and seal deteriorating insulations.

Pipes Condensations

Pipes condensation is a common plumbing problem caused by sweating pipes. This problem promotes mold corrosion and rot if ignored. Insulating your pipes will reduce condensation.

Sump Pumps

Sump pump systems assist in keeping unwanted water out of your home. When checking the pump, make sure the outlet pipe is not frozen or clogged and that it directs water away from your home. Clean the air hole in the discharge line and make sure that the motor is running well. Test the pump by filling the sump pit with water to make sure the pump is working properly. Check that the pump is actually pumping out water.

Walls and Ceiling

Check the walls and look for moisture signs. Moist walls may indicate an internal leak. Look at the walls and search for stains. If you detect stains, follow them to locate the source of the problem and fix it. Even the smallest sign for a leak in the basement must be treated promptly.

The Foundations

Foundations are not always waterproof. Gaps and cracks are created as the house shifts and settles over time. Landscape is also changing over time and may lead to excessive water in the soil around your home. Seek professional help if you need to make any landscape or foundations repairs.

Ventilation

When checking the ventilation systems, be sure to inspect all ventilation systems including water heater, exhaust fans, dryer vents etc. if you suspect any failure in these systems, repair it right away.

Preventing Water Damage in the Laundry Room

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Preventing water damage in your laundry room is important since many water problems originate there. Use this inspection guide for washers, dryers to prevent water damage.

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The washer and drier are usually located in the laundry room and create heat and moisture. Simple maintenance is required to help avoiding water problems and mold.
The following guides lines are simple to follow and will provide good tips and indications for potential water damage that can be caused by the washer, the dryer, hoses, filters, and the utility sink.

Be sure to perform these inspections every few month and be thorough while performing them

The Washer

The washer is connected to both cold and hot water lines. Check them frequently. Start with the joints and fix a leak if you find it. Be sure to check both ends of the water lines. Clean or replace the filters once in a while. A blocked filter will slow the water flow into the washing machine, and may cause some malfunctions. This problem is worse in areas with “hard water”. Inspect the shut off valve by looking for drips into the washing machine while it is not in use. If you detect a leak, replace the valve.

Hoses & Filters

Like in most appliances, problems often start in the hose. Keep at least 4 inches between the water connection and the back of the washer. This space will prevent the hose from kinking and bursting. Check the hoses and replace them if old. Consider installing steel-braided hoses.

The Dryer

The dryer is connected to a ventilation hose. Check it carefully. The dryer ventilation hose must be connected to the outdoors. Search for lint behind and under the dryer and make sure the vent pipe is not clogged. Make the exhaust short as possible for the dryer to vent efficiently,

Utility Sink

The utility sink is sometimes the source for water related problems. Search for leaks under the sink. A drip in the trap under the sink can be a sign for problems and should be repaired immediately. Slow draining pipes may indicate a partially blocked drain. A constantly dripping faucet must me repaired promptly. Replace sink seals if they are cracked or loose. Damped or stained walls around plumbing pipes indicate an internal leak that must be fixed before additional damage occurs.

Preventing Water Damage in the Kitchen

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The following article will help you detect and repair the main problems in the kitchen and prevent water damage where it is likely to occur.

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The kitchen is often neglected even though it is often cleaned and warning signs of excess moisture and impending water damage are overlooked. Inspecting the following moisture sources will help in preventing damage where it is likely to happen. The following guide lines will help you keep your kitchen in good condition and to prevent damages caused by the refrigerator, the dishwasher and the dink and countertop.

Be thorough while performing these inspections and remember to do them every few months

Refrigerator

The area behind the refrigerator is hardly ever inspected because it is relatively hard to reach. Inspecting this area will reduce the chance for water problems. water behind the refrigerator is a sign. Do not ignore it, fix immediately or hire an appliance technician. If you detect mold growth, clean it immediately. Locate the moisture and fix it. If you have an icemaker, check the hose to make sure it is sealed and attached to the water supply.

Sink and Countertop

The sink and countertop are highly watered areas in the house. Check regularly under the sink and remove the trash can and other stored items to search for leaks. A drip in the trap under the sink means drain problems and must be repaired fast. Look around the sink, slow draining pipes indicate a blocked drain. A dripping faucet must me repaired promptly. Pay attention to the countertop. If tiles are cracked or grout is missing, fix it to prevent water from pervading. Stained walls and floors around pipes indicate an internal leak that must be fixed to prevent additional damage.

Dishwasher

If the dishwasher doesn’t empty after use, the main filter may be blocked and must be released promptly. When the sink overflows, it is usually due to back-ups. This problem usually occurs when the drain line is clogged. Clean the drain line regularly. Look under the base of the dishwasher for leaks. If you find any leaks, there could be an unsealed joint or a damaged hose. Check the connection and fix as needed. Check the dishwasher hose under the sink for signs of leakage and fix if necessary. Consider installing steel-braided hoses on appliances such as the dishwasher.

Preventing Water Damage in the Bathroom

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The bathroom is extremely vulnerable for moist accumulation and potential water damage due to the frequent use of water in it. This article offers simple inspection techniques to help detecting water damage hazards.

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The frequent use of water in the bathroom makes it extremely vulnerable for moist accumulation and potential water damage. By inspecting it regularly, you can reduce water related damages.
The following set of inspections is easy to perform and should be done once in every three months in order to keep your bathroom in good shape and to prevent potential water damages caused by the bathtub, the shower, pipe joints and plumbing, sinks, cabinets, and the toilet
Do not neglect performing these inspections and be thorough while performing them. Keep in mind that these simple inspections can save you a lot of money by providing early indications for water damage

Bathtub and Shower

The shower and bathtub require special attention and maintenance. Check the tiles and replace if cracked. Make sure that there is no missing grout between the tiles. Inspect and replace cracked caulking at joints where the walls meet the floor or the bathtub. Clogged drains and pipes problems will prevent the bathtub from drying and may indicate serious problems beneath the bathtub. Consult with a professional immediately to prevent structural damage. Pay attention to discolorations or soft areas around the bathtub walls as they may indicate an internal leak.

Plumbing

Signs for water damage are hard to detect since most pipes are installed inside the walls.
Pay special attention to flooring and walls moisture and stains as they may indicate an invisible plumbing problem. Check moisture levels in adjoining rooms as well.

Sinks and Cabinets

Sinks and cabinets are exposed to moisture and humidity daily and are often overlooked. Inspect regularly under the sink and on the countertop above it. Repair any drip in the trap as it may suggest drain problems. Look around the sink, slow draining pipes may indicate a blocked drain. Replace sink seals if they are cracked or loose.

The Toilet

The toilet is a vulnerable water junction. Check the water lines and search for leaks around the toilet seat, in the hose, and under the water tank. If you detect any signs of moisture on the floor around the toilet, check for leaks in the toilet rim and tank seals.
Be aware that hanging toilet bowl deodorants increases the chances for clogs.

Preventing Water Damage in the Attic

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The attic is where you want to start your water damage prevention as it is located at the top of a house just below the roof and therefore might be more vulnerable.

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Controlling the natural drying of your property must start at the attic as it is located at the top of the house, separating between the roof and the rest of the house. Read the following guide lines to prevent water damage caused by ceilings and flooring, common attic appliances, insulation, vents, and recessed lights canisters

Perform thorough inspections every few months to assure that you attic is kept in good conditions

Ceiling and Floor

Be sure to look both up and down when inspecting the attic. Pay special attention to openings through the roof such as pipes, vents and the chimney. Take a look to confirm that all surfaces are dry and that there is no mold or rot. Also, check the bottom of the roof sheathing and roof rafters. It is recommended to inspect during the morning to make sure that the roof is sealed and that no daylight penetrates through roof cracks. Inspect the floor and make sure it is dry.

Recessed Lights Canisters

The presence of rust and corrosion indicates possible moisture invasion and a potential electrical hazard. Additional indicators for potential water damage are stains above or near the wood, or on the insulation around the canisters. Consider replacing old recessed lights canisters with newer, safer ones that include built in insulation.

Vents

Attic ventilation is important. Commonly, vents are installed along the peak of the roof. Moisture or surface discoloration near vents is a sign, locate the moisture source and fix the problem. When inspecting the roof, remove any bird nests and debris blocking the vents.

Insulation

When damaged by moisture and water, the insulation becomes thin and flat. Check the insulation frequently, especially after the rain season. Touch it. If it feels wet, find the moisture source and fix the problem right away. Remember: wet insulation is useless, but it will continue to hold water for a while and will create high moisture conditions. If the insulation is wet, replace it.

Common Attic Appliances

Periodically, check attic air conditioners, swamp coolers and HVAC systems. Look for wear and tear and loose connections. Inspect around and under these appliances. Remember that appliances failures may cause water damage to everything that lies below.

Preventing Mold In The Home

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As a proud homeowner, you can probably understand the basic aesthetic reasons for preventing the growth of mold in your home. Mold can create an unpleasant visual sight in your home, most frequently around windowsills and doorframes as well as in less visible areas such as in basement and behind washers and dishwashers. Mold can eat away at your house’s finishings, and can also ruin furniture as well as giving off an unpleasant, musky smell. Many people need also to realize t…

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As a proud homeowner, you can probably understand the basic aesthetic reasons for preventing the growth of mold in your home. Mold can create an unpleasant visual sight in your home, most frequently around windowsills and doorframes as well as in less visible areas such as in basement and behind washers and dishwashers. Mold can eat away at your house’s finishings, and can also ruin furniture as well as giving off an unpleasant, musky smell. Many people need also to realize that mold has potentially serious health effects as well- mold in the home doubles the risk of asthma in children, according to recent studies, and some types of molds are also highly toxic.

With all of the detrimental effects of mold, it is crucial that you maintain a mold free environment within your household. Following some basic tips can make this a relatively easy process, as no mold can exist without a certain level of moisture.

The first consideration in preventing mold is where your home is located. Temperate coastal locations such as along both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, which are also known for high levels of rainfall, are prime locations for moldy houses. Additionally, some houses near to large freshwater bodies of water that have a role in maintaining their weather systems are also susceptible to the growth of mold. Home owners in these areas must be doubly vigilant in preventing the growth of mold within their homes, as well as sometimes considering extra measure in order to prevent mold growth.

Homes in these areas should use double-paned windows that are sealed tightly against the accumulation of water, which when combined with the wood of your home provides and ideal growing place for molds. The same precaution needs to be taken with door frames, and you should keep the exterior walls of your house clear of vegetation which may pile up and cause mold to grow against the walls, where it will be less visible.

The most important consideration in any situation that requires the prevention of mold is the limitation of moisture. Identify the areas in your hose where moisture is most likely to accumulate and clean the area frequently. This includes the bathtub and the sink, as well as underneath your sink where the pipes are and behind appliances such as your clothes and dishwasher. Remember that steam is just water heated up, and will eventually condense to form water. You should have an outlet for the steam, and always check any areas of your house where steam will accumulate, such as the spots where your ceiling adjoins your wall in the kitchen and laundry room. These areas should all be cleaned frequently, and any leaks or cracks in your piping need to be addressed immediately in order to prevent mold growth.

Proper air circulation is also key in preventing the growth of mold. Limiting the humidity of the air in your home will deny mold the chance to obtain the stale amounts of oxygen it need to thrive. Dehumidifiers and air conditioning are great methods to employ against mold accumulation.

Preventing Home Fires From Alternate Heat Sources

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Baby it’s cold outside, but it’s getting expensive to turn up that oil furnace. More and more home owners are turning to alternate sources of heating.


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Baby it’s cold outside, but it’s getting expensive to turn up that oil furnace. More and more home owners are turning to alternate sources of heating.

People are turning to firewood, electric heaters, and gas fireplaces for added warmth, but these heat sources present a new set of cautions for fire prevention.

Electric heaters or electric fireplace:

Make sure you read your manufacturer’s instructions and heed the warning labels for your portable heater.

Never leave it unattended, and always unplug it when not in use. When you do unplug the unit, pull the cord straight out to prevent cord damage.

Never plug the heater into a power strip or extension cord to prevent overheating.

Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from the heater and never block the air intake or outlet.

Wood Fireplace:

Have a qualified person inspect and clean your chimney on a regular basis.

Keep any combustible items away from the front of the fireplace, and cover the front with a glass or metal screen.

Store matches or lighters in a locked cabinet.

General Safety Tips:

Candles are commonly used during the holidays. Never leave them unattended or burning in an enclosed area. Always use stable candle holders that are not likely to tip over. Blow out the candles when you leave the room.

Devise an escape plan for the family and practice it twice a year. Each room should have 2 exits and pick an outdoor meeting place.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Mark a date on the calendar to test them monthly and change the batteries every time you change your clocks.

Clean the lint filter in your clothes dryer every time you use it. The build up of lint can catch fire.

Learn how to put out a pan fire by sliding the lid over the flames and always keep a kitchen fire extinguisher handy.

Everyone in the family should know how to “Stop, Drop and Roll” if their clothes catch fire. To access the best air for breathing, practice getting down low and crawling as an escape strategy.

Keep emergency phone numbers handy.

Preventing Fire Damage Outdoors

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Fire hazards exist in the patio, back yard, roof, and garden too. Whenever inspecting your property for fire hazards, inspect these areas as these areas are sensitive because they contain many hazardous materials such as wood, fuel and more.

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As you inspect your home, trying to fire proof it, you must keep in mind that your outdoors area is also a part of your home. Do not forget to inspect your patio, back yard, roof and garden when trying to minimize fire hazards as these places are as important as the indoors sections of your home.

Wood Stored in the Backyard

Storing wood in your backyard requires that you follow the basic fire prevention rules to minimize the chance that wood will catch fire that may lead to a larger scale disaster. If you make sure to maintain your wood safely, you can reduce the occurrence, size, and intensity of a fire. As a first line of defense, create a 30 feet safety clearance around stored wood. A green lawn is a good safety parameter, as long as clean of fire catching debris.

Plant Safe

As there are some plants that ate more fire resistant than others, it is smart to plant these plants in the safety zone. Even with this kind of plants you must remove dry leaves, dead limbs, twigs and debris to prevent them from fueling a small fire into a more intense fire. Thin out trees and keep a fifteen feet space between crowns. This will help reducing the chance of fire spreading. If you own high trees or cannot perform this job yourself, hire a professional to do that for you. In addition, remove limbs and dead branches from 6 to 10 feet of the ground to prevent fire from spreading from the ground to the trees.

Roofing

In the past, roofs were built of hazardous, flammable materials and many home losses were a direct result of the roof catching fire. Nowadays, there are new trends that promote fire safety. Consider using non-combustible roofing materials. When building or replacing the roof. Non-combustible materials include class A shingles, metal, or terra cotta. If you don’t have plans to rebuild your roof any time soon, you can still treat it with fire retardant processes and reduce roof flammability.

Barbeque Grills

Barbeque frills require maintenance. Clean your grill and keep it free of dirt and debris build ups. You will find it easier to clean the grill after every use and remove dust and cobwebs before they build up. Check your hose and confirm it is in good condition and cracks free. Never use damaged propane tanks.

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Preventing Bathroom Mold

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As the most frequently wetted area in your home, the bathroom is where mold is most likely to grow. However, with some attention and proper maintenance, it is easy to prevent mold from growing and spreading in your bathroom.

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Your bathroom is one of the most wetted rooms in your home, and therefore is one of the rooms where mold is most likely to grow. The fact that heat and moisture are frequently generated in the bathroom promotes mold growth as these factors provide great conditions for mold to grow and flourish. Prevent mold in your bathroom is vital for your health and for the way your bathroom looks. In addition, if neglected and due to optimal growing conditions, bathroom mold is likely to spread internally through walls, ceilings, and floors, leading to an extremely expensive remediation costs. One of the key factors for bathroom mold prevention is frequent inspections to prevent water damage that can lead to mold growth. The first step in mold prevention is keeping your bathroom dry and airy. Use a humidity meter to check humidity levels before and after showers. Be sure to keep humidity levels below forty to forty five percent. If you allow adequate air circulation, your bathroom humidity levels should drop below 45 percent within 5-10 minutes from the minute you finished your shower.

Shower and Bathtub Maintenance

Keep the bathtub, floors, walls, and ceilings, clean and dry at all times. To prevent mold where it is very likely to grow, be sure to stretch the bathtub curtain after using the bathtub to allow equal and complete drying.

Air Flow

Allowing air flow and air circulation are key step in keeping low humidity levels. The basic technique and the simplest is to open windows and doors right after taking a shower to allow air to free flow and remove excess moisture. If you didn’t install an exhaust fan yet, do so as soon as possible as this is a great tool for bathroom ventilation. Turn on the exhaust fan while taking a bath or shower and leave it working for 5-10 more minutes after finishing using the bathroom to allow the bathroom to dry completely. Confirm that your fan exhausts outdoors directly.

Day to Day Maintenance

Day to day maintenance is important to prevent water damage and mold. It will also help detecting problems before they become a large scale disaster. Drains must be kept in good shape. Allow the bathtub to drain completely and by removing all debris and using drain openers from time to time. Create hard surfaces on your bathroom walls using semi-gloss paint. It is harder for mold to grow on these type of surfaces.

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Preventing Basement and Crawlspaces Mold

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Basement and crawlspaces present serious challenges in mold prevention mainly due to lack of air circulation and dampness. These conditions make it harder to control air quality. However, using simple prevention methods, preventing mold in the basement is possible.

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Mold is a very common basement and crawlspaces problem as it presents a real challenge in controlling air quality. Basements and crawlspaces are is usually damp and in many cases use as a storage area, providing optimal growth conditions to molds. There are two important aspects to basements and crawlspaces mold prevention:

1. Controlling Humidity Levels

The first step to mold prevention is to successfully control humidity levels. Start with measuring humidity levels and detecting any unusual readings. Take measurements every 3 months to keep track of any changes that may occur when the weather changes. If humidity levels readings are higher than 45 percent, your basement is likely to suffer from mold and you must take action to detects and fix any moisture sources to lower humidity levels. Regularly inspect your basement for any water damages that generate visible or hidden moisture sources. Act fast to fix problems such as leaks or standing water. Another way to control humidity is to allow air circulation. Although it may be hard to generate air flow in the basement or crawlspace it is important. You can improve air flow by keeping you basement tidy and opening the basement door from time to time and leave a fan running for a few hours. Consider installing a dehumidifier in the basement to reduce air moisture especially during warm months. If you detect any cracks in walls or floor, seal them immediately.

2. Smart Storage

If you organize your basement and crawlspaces you take another important step towards mold elimination. Try to avoid storing papers, clothes, in the basement and crawlspaces because these materials can be used as nutrition for molds allowing it to spread even faster if humidity levels rise above 50 percent. If you must store these materials in your basement or crawlspace, do your best to reduce the amount of these stored materials and discard if badly damaged. In addition, if you must store these materials in the basement or crawlspace, make sure to place them properly. Proper placement means that you need to store them away from outer walls, since that is where moisture is most likely to originate. For the same reason, raise these stored materials from the floor and place them on a table or a raised surface. Never store firewood in the basement or crawlspace because it is common for firewood to become likely to become moldy within hours from the minute humidity levels raise. When firewood becomes moldy, it generates airborne mold spores that may contaminate your indoors air quality and in some cases penetrate the HVAC system and contaminate your home by traveling through your ducts.

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