A water damage prevention checklist is much more than a to-do list. Having a detailed plan in place for emergency water damage situations can provide peace of mind and reassurance in chaotic situations. Dripping ceilings, foundation shifts, and mold growth are problems that can ruin a residence. Sarasota’s humid, storm-prone climate increases the risk of water damage, forcing property owners to prepare their homes for extreme weather conditions.
Preparing a damage prevention checklist can save your home from complications that cause chaos in your everyday life. An issue such as a soggy carpet could be a sign of a much bigger problem that leads to costly repairs. If water prevention efforts fail and moisture causes problems in our home, ServiceMaster DSI – Sarasota FL can help. Our restoration specialists help homeowners repair water damage through quick response times, industry-leading remediation methods, and compassionate customer service.
Inspect Your Roof and Gutters Regularly
Sarasota neighborhoods like Southgate and Bee Ridge are especially tree-heavy; this increases the chance of clogged gutters. Branches, leaves, and other tree debris can cause blockages in gutters and downspouts that lead to water backup. Ensure downspouts extend at least 3-6 feet away from your home to prevent foundation saturation, and clear leaves and debris from gutters to help water flow away from your home.
Test and Maintain Your Sump Pump System
Sump pumps are critical for homes in low-lying or flood-prone zones such as Arlington Park or Phillippi Creek. Installing them helps quickly remove excess water during a flood. Sump pumps require electricity, but a battery backup can maintain its functionality during power outages. Test your sump pump every few months, especially before the summer storm season. Clean the pump inlet screen regularly to prevent clogs and blockages that prevent water extraction.
Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is
Label and locate your home’s main water shutoff valve. Marking the location of your shutoff valve can save thousands in damage during a plumbing emergency. Turning off your water supply after a broken pipe, fixture, or other severe plumbing malfunctions prevents further water intrusion that will require costly repairs. Practicing turning off the water supply can help you feel confident in an emergency. Share its location with household members for added safety.
Inspect Plumbing and Appliances for Leaks
Sarasota’s older homes often have aging pipes that are more vulnerable to cracks and corrosion. To avoid costly plumbing lakes, regularly check under sinks, behind toilets, and near water heaters or washing machines for slow drips, mold growth, or signs of wear. Install leak detectors with automatic shutoff for appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines.
Seal Window, Doors, and Entry points
Florida’s intense storms can push wind-driven rain through small cracks in your home. To prevent water intrusion during a storm, apply caulk or weatherstripping around windows and doors. Adding storm shutters or impact-resistant glass can protect your residence from high wind speeds, flying debris, and UV rays.
Grade Your Landscaping Away from the Foundation
Sarasota’s coastal soil composition can be sandy and unstable. To prevent water backup and flood damage, make sure the soil around your foundation slopes away from your home on all sides. A minimum slope of 6” in grading helps send water from the foundation and prevents water intrusion that could lead to structural damage. Adding native plants with deep roots can help stabilize the landscape.
Prepare for Storm Season with a Flood Plan
Flood barriers can prevent rising waters from damaging your home. Plastic flood barriers are a low-maintenance, durable protection device that can prevent flood damage for years. They are lightweight and easy to put in place, but sandbags are another type of flood barrier that may be more accessible to homeowners. They are inexpensive and may already be in the homes of individuals who work in construction or use sand in their backyard.
Use Smart Home Technology for Early Detection
Install smart water leak sensors near potential trouble spots that allow water intrusion. Basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms are all common areas for moisture buildup in residential spaces. Moisture detection technology quickly alerts homeowners in real- time if a leak is detected, and some models can automatically shut off water flow. This helps minimize water damage if a leak occurs during a time when you’re away from home and unable to turn off your water supply.
Your Local Water Damage Experts Are Here to Help
Overcoming water damage is never an enjoyable experience, and it can easily overwhelm homeowners at times. If you’re in Sarasota, ServiceMaster Restoration provides storm and water damage caused by tropical storms, torrential summer downpours, and other severe weather conditions. Our mobile technicians have years of experience helping local homeowners with common water damage, and our ability to remediate complicated damage is what sets us apart from the rest.
Our comprehensive services provide everyone with a service that solves their unique water-related damages. With our 24/7 emergency response team on your side, your home will always have access to industry-certified expertise and local technicians who truly care. We’re here to help you bounce back and stay prepared; our team works around the clock to help customers respond to damages that cannot wait for a response.
Stay Dry, Stay Ready
Need help recovering from water damage or want expert advice on prevention? Contact ServiceMaster DSI – Sarasota FL for reliable support when you need it most. Our local team of water damage restoration specialists is always ready to travel to your location to begin damage mitigation, repair, and reconstruction efforts. Call us today at 941-740-5722 to schedule a damage assessment.
