An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to water damage. Here are five areas Rochester Hills homeowners should stay on top of to keep water where it belongs.
1. Start at the Top — Your Roof
Regular roof maintenance prevents water from seeping in. Schedule annual inspections and keep shingles and gutters in good shape so moisture stays out.
2. Mind Your Appliances
Washing machines, dishwashers, and icemakers fail at the supply line. Check hoses for tightness and kinks, inspect valves, and watch for leaks. Know where your shutoff valves are, replace your water heater’s anode rod every couple of years, and make sure toilets finish their flush cycle.
3. Landscape With Knowledge
Tree roots can rupture underground pipes and septic systems. Get professional landscaping advice before planting anything with deep, aggressive roots near your infrastructure.
4. Watch Your Water Bill
A rising water bill with no explanation often signals a hidden leak. Small leaks only get worse — and lead to mold and foundation damage — so investigate promptly.
5. Use a Drain Snake, Not Chemicals
A reusable drain snake clears clogs without the caustic chemicals that damage pipes and release harmful fumes.
Flood Prevention Bonus Tips
- Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds
- Monitor weather alerts for flood watches and warnings
- Elevate furnaces and water heaters above expected flood levels
- Inspect sump pumps and drainage annually
- Add a battery backup so your sump pump runs during outages
- Install backflow prevention valves
- Know the difference between a flood watch (prepare) and a flood warning (act now)
Serving Rochester Hills and Oakland County, Doan Restoration of Michigan is here 24/7 if water damage does strike. Call (586) 842-8142 or see our Troy & Oakland County service area.
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