ServiceMaster Cleaning & Restoration Services in Central New Jersey is your local water damage restoration expert. Use the following checklist to help prevent spring water damage in your home.
Interior:
Attic & Basement:
Your attic and basement are highly susceptible to water damage. Check these areas periodically to catch water damage as soon as it starts.
- Inspect the perimeter of your basement and attic for water stains, soft spots or holes.
- Look for mold. If you find mold without an obvious leak or flood, you may have a moisture problem.
- If you have a sump pump, it’s probably located in your basement. Test it to make sure it will continue to work correctly all spring long.
- In your attic, don’t miss the underside of your roof. This is a good place to check for residual ice damage.
Entranceway:
Your entrance areas may have already endured moisture and mud all winter long. However, you can’t quite stop worrying about tracked in rain and mud yet.
- Keep a dry mop on hand to wipe up rainwater quickly. Moisture can discolor and warp flooring.
- Use mats and durable throw rugs to help protect your floors.
- Make sure boots and rain jackets have a designated place to dry without affecting the rest of your home.
Bathroom & Laundry Room:
The freezing temperatures in winter could have done some serious pipe damage. Focus your attention on the rooms that are greatly impacted by this type of damage.
- Turn on sink and shower faucets to check for leaks.
- Flush toilets to make sure water goes where it’s supposed to.
- Run your washing machine to check that it’s running correctly. Don’t forget to look at the hose behind the machine. It shouldn’t be leaking or restricted in any way.
Exterior:
Sprinklers & Garden:
Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to get your sprinklers up and running.
- Start by removing coverings and reconnecting your exterior water supply.
- Inspect your sprinkler system. Replace damaged sprinkler heads or pipes.
- Run your sprinklers and make sure your plants are getting watered without hitting your home or causing puddles.
- Outdoor faucets could have also sustained some damage over the winter. Turn them on and make sure they’re functioning properly.
- As you put out your gardening tools, consider sloping your garden if water pools near your home. It’s best when water has an escape path.
Gutters:
Gutters in good condition are necessary to prevent spring water damage. Your gutter system has already worked hard over the fall and winter, but spring showers are just beginning.
- Inspect your gutters for leaks or blockages.
- Remove twigs, mud and leaves. Any existing debris could cause an overflow.
- Direct downspouts away from your home’s foundation and into a storm drain. A good way to do this is to extend your downspouts. You can find downspout extenders at your local home improvement store.
Windows, Doors & Roof:
Pay close attention to your windows, doors and roof over the course of spring.
- Close all of your windows and doors. If you see any gaps, seal them with weather stripping.
- Replace missing shingles, fill holes and other damage on your roof.
ServiceMaster Cleaning & Restoration Services in Central New Jersey is available 24/7 for emergency restoration services. Contact us if you experience spring water damage.
