Blogs

Preventing Water Damage in your Investment Property

water damage.jpg

Fixtures or appliances that involve water, have the potential to cause water damage to your property.

It is important to check these appliances and fixtures regularly to prevent the possibility of water damage.

These include:

  • Washing Machines
  • Dishwashers
  • Fridges
  • Sinks
  • Showers
  • Bathtubs
  • Toilets
  • Hot water systems

Tips for checking :

  • Inspect hoses on washing machines, fridges and dishwashers annually and check for cracks or water leaks
  • Ensure caulking around showers and bathtubs is watertight. Replace any cracks immediately.
  • Put a floor pan under washing machines and fridges to prevent damage from slow undetected leaks.

What about the structure?

Roof leaks can cause significant damage so if your roof hasn’t been checked for a while, have a licenced roofing professional make a thorough inspection.

  • Check gutters and drains for any cracks or blockages
  • Remove debris (like leaves) from gutters and downspouts
  • If you have a chimney, have it checked to see if it is watertight.

If there is damage to your roof, it is important to fix the problem as soon as possible.

These may include

  • Replacing cracked or missing tiles
  • Trimming tree branches that could graze against the roof
  • Replace any loose or cracked drains and downpipes
  • Check for rust around skylights
  • Undertaking leaking tile ridge capping

Building and Contents insurance may not cover you for water damage in all instances, if you have failed to reasonably maintain your roof, so check your policy to see what isn’t covered.

Don’t forget walls, windows & foundations!

  • Check for leaks and cracks around windows and doors and seal if required
  • Check exterior walls, joints and foundations and seal as required
  • Check for leaky plumbing, dripping pipes and taps.

Always be on the lookout for any water that has pooled around your home, like puddles on Patios and terraces that take a long time to drain away.

Always have these inspected as they may be as a result of a blocked drain.

Save money on managing your property straight away!

  Use RealRenta for Free for up to 2 months Now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jason Gwerder