Water-related issues are among the top three most prevalent and costly issues encountered by homeowners in Wilmington. Due to the localized coastal humid climate, seasonal storms, and aging infrastructure, even minor plumbing problems can escalate into major property loss. Thus, knowing how to avoid a water-related disaster before it happens should be a priority for all Wilmington homeowners, given that it is more affordable to prevent a disaster from striking than to treat its aftermath.

The following is a list of practical, homeowner-friendly tips for preventing water-related issues by maintaining plumbing systems, keeping gutters clean, and creating effective slopes and drainage systems. 

By following these guidelines, Wilmington homeowners can greatly decrease their reliance on Water Damage Restoration Wilmington services to protect their homes from water damage during both the rainy and dry seasons.

What Makes Wilmington Residents More Likely Than Other Residents To Experience Water-Related Issues:

Wilmington homeowners experience the same humidity and heavy rainfall throughout the summer months as residents of other southern cities do (i.e., New Orleans, Mobile, etc.), but Wilmington’s particular geographic location and climate also make it more vulnerable than other southern cities to having water intrude into their homes. 

The combination of the coastal climate and the amount of rainfall in the summer months creates a lot of exposure to water, both from rain and the high amounts of humidity.

So if you live in Wilmington, the need to put preventative measures into place should be a top priority, since repeated exposure to moisture will wear down building materials and leave homeowners with the risk of having to seek out Water Damage Cleanup Wilmington services in the future. 

Water Damage Plumbing Prevention Tips

Water Damage is mainly caused by plumbing failures in residential properties.

• Regularly Inspect Pipes and Fixtures

Homeowners should check the exposed pipes located underneath sinks, in the basement, and around the water heater(s) for signs of rust, moisture, and leaks. Small drips may create large amounts of hidden damage behind walls and floors.

By catching these problems early on, the chances of a sudden pipe burst and the need to perform significant Water Damage Restoration Wilmington will be lessened.

• Maintain Water Using Appliances 

Water-using appliances (i.e., washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters) are connected to the plumbing system via hoses and connections, which wear out over time. Using braided stainless steel hoses in place of any aging hoses will reduce the chances of an unexpected appliance connection failure.

Regular maintenance of appliances reduces the chances of creating water damage in Wilmington homes.

Gutter Maintenance is Your Best Defense Against Water Damage

The gutters of your house are incredibly important, as they direct rainwater away from your house’s foundation and exterior walls.

• Keep your Gutters Clean and Clear

When gutters become clogged, the amount of water flowing down them cannot be properly directed away from the house’s foundation and will create standing water against the foundation or leak through the house’s exterior walls. This can ultimately create the need for mold growth in the basement and/or structural damage to the house.

By cleaning your gutters at least two times a year (especially after heavy rains), your house will not be susceptible to the conditions that cause water damage in Wilmington.

• Ensure Your Gutters are Properly Aligned and have Properly Positioned Downspouts

In order to have gutters that efficiently direct water to your downspouts, you must have gutters that slope toward the downspouts in order for the water to flow efficiently through the gutter system. Extending downspouts several feet from the foundation will help keep water from standing too close to your home.

Homeowners frequently look for “Water Damage Restoration Near Me” due to the effects of heavy rain on their homes as a result of improper drainage.

How to Protect Your Roof and Attic

Many times, roofing issues can go unnoticed until significant water damage has occurred in the home.

• Inspect Your Roof Shingles and Flashing

Water may enter the roof system through missing, cracked, or curled roof shingles; therefore, it is important to inspect roof shingles for wear. Additionally, check that flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylight areas is properly installed to prevent any leaks from occurring.

Annual inspections of your roof will allow you to identify potential weak points on the roof before a storm exposes them.

• Improve Your Attic’s Ventilation and Insulation

If your attic does not have adequate ventilation, moisture will accumulate due to condensation forming within the attic, particularly in Wilmington’s humid climate. This excess moisture will eventually drip onto the ceiling or walls of the home and cause damage over time.

In addition, a well-insulated and ventilated attic will help prevent moisture buildup and help preserve the integrity of the interior structure of your home.

Understanding the Slope and Drainage of Your Yard

The drainage system outside of your home plays an important role in directing water away from your home.

• Proper Yard Grading

Soil surrounding your home should be graded properly so it slants slightly away from the foundation of the home; if any soil around the home’s foundation slopes toward the home, rainwater will run toward your home rather than away from it.

Re-grading or modifying areas of your property that tend to slope toward the home’s foundation may help eliminate water seepage into the foundation or basement and reduce the need for Water Damage Restoration Wilmington services.

• Drainage Options

Installing drainage solutions such as French drains, catch basins, and dry wells will help direct excess water away from areas of the yard that may have water pooling. There are ways to keep the water out of your house.

Having a drain solution designed by a professional ensures that these systems are installed according to the soil types and rainfall amounts of the Wilmington area.

Your Crawl Space and Basement Need to Be Protected

Crawl spaces and basements can both suffer serious damage from moisture intrusion.

• Repair Cracks and Openings

The tiniest cracks in your foundation can allow water to enter the home during heavy rain or flooding. By repairing cracks in your foundation with waterproof materials, you will be protecting your house from leaks and moisture buildup.

Many times, ignoring foundation problems will lead to repeated issues with Water Damage Wilmington.

• Sump Pumps and Vapor Barriers

A home that has a basement or crawl space can benefit from the use of sump pumps and vapor barriers. These systems will help control the groundwater level around your house and, in addition, lower the amount of humidity found inside your home.

Proper installation and maintenance will allow for a long-term solution.

Smart Monitoring and Preventive Technology Available Now

Technology today has made it easier than ever for homeowners to detect and prevent water damage.

• Water Leak Detection Systems

There are smart sensors that can be used to detect leaks before they become a major issue for homeowners. Some of these systems will shut off the water supply automatically when a leak is detected.

These systems provide homeowners with peace of mind and reduce the number of instances of needing emergency restoration services.

• Regular Professional Inspections

Having a skilled professional perform annual inspections can identify risks that most homeowners are not aware of. Regular preventative inspections will save you a lot of money compared to having to make emergency repairs.

Many homeowners who do not have regular inspections performed end up needing the services of Water Damage Restoration Near Me after a preventable incident occurs.

Now let’s explore a few questions that might pop up in your mind. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Preventing Water Damage in Wilmington

• How frequently should I perform plumbing inspections to avoid water damage?
  At least once annually, with additional inspections following thunderstorms or significant cold weather.
• Can clogged gutters cause major issues with water intrusion?
  Clogged gutters can often lead to leaks in the foundation and water entering a home from the inside.
• Can the way water runs off your yard lead to indoor water damage?
  Yes. If the slope of your yard is incorrect, it can direct water toward your home, increasing the likelihood of having leaks.
• Do older homes in Wilmington require additional preventive measures because of their age?
  Yes. Aging plumbing and foundations should receive increased frequency of inspections and maintenance.
• When should I reach out to a professional regarding concerns about water damage?
  You should contact a professional if you see leaky pipes, smell something musty, or see condensation or standing water in your home.

Conclusion: Proactive Prevention Can Protect Homes in Wilmington

In order to prevent water damage to homes in Wilmington, owners need to be proactive in addressing their plumbing, gutters, roofing, and drainage systems. Small actions, like cleaning out gutters, inspecting plumbing, and improving the slope of the yard, can be all that is needed to avoid severe damage and costly repairs. Given the nature of Wilmington’s climate and rainfall patterns, water damage prevention is essential.

911 Restoration of Wilmington is a trusted provider of Water Damage Restoration and Property Recovery Services in the Wilmington area. Our team focuses on providing a fast response, knowledgeable technicians, and complete reconstruction of your home. 

With state-of-the-art equipment and trained technicians, 911 Water Restoration of Wilmington is able to provide dependable solutions to restore your home in a timely and effective manner. Contact us today to schedule a restoration service.