Your Home Maintenance Checklist: Preventing Future Water Disasters
Preventing water damage is significantly cheaper—and far less stressful—than repairing it. In the unique climate of Colorado Springs, where we face everything from deep-freeze winters to sudden summer monsoons, a proactive maintenance routine is your home’s best line of defense.
At Colorado Water and Mold Restoration, we see firsthand the damage that could have been avoided with simple, routine checks. Use this checklist to stay ahead of potential disasters and keep your home dry year-round.
The Exterior: Your First Line of Defense
Your home’s exterior is designed to shed water, but it needs regular help to do its job effectively.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Aim for at least twice a year—once in late fall and again in late spring. Clogged gutters lead to ice dams in the winter and foundation flooding during our heavy summer rains.
Extend Downspouts: Ensure water is discharged at least 5 to 10 feet away from your foundation. Consider adding splash blocks or underground extensions if water is pooling near the basement.
Inspect the Roof: Look for missing, cracked, or "cupping" shingles. Pay close attention to the flashing around chimneys and vents, as these are the most common entry points for slow, hidden leaks.
Maintain Grading: The ground should slope away from your foundation. Over time, soil can settle, creating "negative grading" that directs water toward your basement walls.
Disconnect Hoses in Fall: Leaving a hose attached during a Colorado Springs freeze can cause water to back up into the pipe inside your wall, leading to a burst pipe when it thaws.
The Interior: Managing the Source
Most water disasters start inside the home, often from aging appliances or hidden plumbing issues.
Know Your Main Shut-Off: Everyone in your household should know where the main water shut-off valve is and how to turn it. In an emergency, every second the water is running adds thousands of dollars to the restoration bill.
Check Appliance Hoses: Inspect the hoses behind your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator (ice maker) every six months. Look for cracks, kinks, or "bubbles" in the material.
Pro Tip: Replace standard rubber hoses with braided stainless steel hoses; they are much more resistant to bursting.
Inspect Under Sinks: Once a month, take a flashlight and look under every sink in the house. Look for dampness, cabinet warping, or a musty smell.
Test Your Sump Pump: If you have a basement, your sump pump is vital. Pour a bucket of water into the pit to ensure the float rises and the pump activates. Consider a battery backup for when we lose power during storms.
Recaulk Wet Areas: Inspect the seals around your bathtubs, showers, and toilets. If the caulk is peeling or cracked, water can seep into the subfloor, leading to hidden rot and mold.
Seasonal Focus: The Colorado Springs Factor
Our local weather requires specific attention at different times of the year.
Spring & Summer: The Monsoon Check
Check the Attic: After a heavy spring rain, go into the attic with a flashlight to look for dampness or stains on the underside of the roof.
Clear Debris: Ensure that window wells are clear of leaves and debris so they can drain properly during sudden downpours.
Fall & Winter: The Freeze Protection
Insulate Pipes: Any pipes in unheated areas (crawl spaces, attics, or exterior walls) should be wrapped in foam insulation.
Seal Gaps: Use caulk or spray foam to seal gaps where pipes enter the home. This prevents cold air from whistling in and freezing the pipe.
Warning Signs to Watch For Year-Round
Unexpected Water Bill Spikes: If your water bill goes up without a change in usage, you likely have a hidden leak.
The Sound of Running Water: If the house is quiet and you hear water running or hissing, investigate immediately.
Musty Odors: This is often the first sign of a slow leak that has already started growing mold behind a wall or under a floor.
We Are Here to Help
Even with the best maintenance, accidents can happen. If you find yourself facing a water emergency, don't wait. Quick action is the key to preventing mold and permanent structural damage.
Contact Colorado Water and Mold Restoration for 24/7 emergency water damage restoration in Colorado Springs. We are your local experts in keeping homes safe and dry.
