Did you know water can enter and damage your home at any time, whether your house is in a low-lying area or otherwise?

“There are common water hazards that every homeowner faces at one time or another,” explains Michael Petri of Petri Plumbing and Heating, Inc. “It's a lot simpler than many people think to waterproof their homes and avoid those issues.”

Waterproofing your home not only guards it against flooding, but also eliminates unseen internal leaks. (Leaks, in fact, account for close to 15 percent of the average household’s water use.)

To waterproof your house, Petri recommends:

Scanning Pipes – Walk your property and note areas of mud or soil erosion, or wet spots on the driveway. These findings could indicate a broken pipe, which will require the services of a professional plumber to remedy.

Inspecting Sprinkler Heads – Look for vibrant green vegetation or moss growth on or around the sprinkler heads on your property. These may be signs of broken heads or damaged valves leaking into the ground (and potentially breaching your home).

Testing Toilet(s) for Leaks – Drip a few drops of food dye into the tank of the toilet. Wait 20 minutes; if a leak is found, replace the valve inside the tank.

These three types of leaks can develop in any house, both new and older, or on any property. If you suspect an irrigation or underground leak, call a professional plumber as soon as possible for help—continuous leaking can not only lead to extensive damage, but also can result in additional month-to-month costs.

Source: Petri Plumbing and Heating, Inc.
 

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