How to protect your property from water damage this Christmas
Experiencing water damage at any time is stressful. But over the Christmas break – even more so. You might be closed for business or this could be a particularly busy time for trade or you might be away on holiday with family and friends.
But at the end of the day, the last thing you need to be doing is arranging for emergency plumbing services for your home or business.
Leaks tend to spring up unexpectedly, but there are steps you can take to prevent water damage, and those unexpected call-outs this Christmas.
Have you checked for existing leaks?
What starts out small, could turn into a major incident when you’re not on site. Be sure to check:
Fittings and pipes for any water leaking or dripping
Wear and tear to flexi hoses which connect the water main to appliances, sinks and toilets (as these are a common cause of water damage)
Ceilings, walls and floors for the tell-tale signs of concealed leaks
According to a leading Australian Insurance company, 17% of all new claims from their customers are water-damage related.
Have your roof checked.
With our unpredictable summer storms brewing on the horizon, it’s vital to make sure roofs are in tip-top shape. After all, it’s what stands between a property and the elements. A professional roof inspection can pinpoint areas of concern and provide recommendations to ensure the roof is summer-ready.
Clean your gutters.
When the gutters are blocked, all it takes is one downpour to cause major flooding. While it’s good practice to have gutters cleaned before the start of any storm season, it’s particularly important to do so before the property is unattended.
Check for pooling water.
Are there any areas around the property’s exterior that seem to collect water? If you’ve noticed it takes a long time to drain away, this could be a sign of a blocked drain. A licensed plumber can inspect the pipework and make sure there aren’t any blockages that could cause overflow and flooding.
Turn off water valves.
If the property is still in use over the holidays, this may not be feasible. But if there is any period of time that it is closed for business or vacant, you could consider turning off individual water valves to appliances, sinks and toilets. This will help make it less likely that you’ll experience leaks or burst pipes.
Inspect chimneys for leaks.
It’s not just in the cooler weather that the condition of a chimney is important. If there are cracks or holes, this can result in water seepage through the brickwork.
All the Toscano Plumbing team members are expertly trained and can assist you with all your plumbing and leak detection requirements. If you’d like your roof inspected, flexi hoses replaced or help with a suspected leak, all it takes is a quick phone call to 1300 867 226.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to working with you in the New Year.
