As the seasons change, the inevitable shift toward more rain begins. For homeowners, this means more than just pulling out the rain gear; it's a critical time to be proactive about preventing one of the most common and costly home disasters: water damage.
Here at HouseCalls, we've seen firsthand how a little bit of prevention can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches. From Ron Hazelton's original wisdom to the practical expertise of Brian Kelsey, the core message has always been the same: don't wait for a leak to find you.
Here's your DIY-friendly checklist to get your home ready for the season and protect your biggest investment.
The Gutter & Downspout Clean-Out
A clogged gutter is a ticking time bomb. When rain can't drain properly, it backs up, overflows, and can cause water to seep under your roof shingles, behind your siding, or pool around your foundation. We've tackled this on the show countless times, and as Brian Kelsey has demonstrated, a simple tool can make all the difference.
- Your DIY Task: With a ladder and a pair of gloves, you can clear out the leaves and debris that have built up over the dry months. For a safer, ladder-free approach, consider a leaf blower attachment, a method that can clear gutters from the ground.
- Consider Gutter Guards: Remember our past segments on gutter guards? While they can significantly reduce the need for cleaning, a quick inspection is still vital to ensure they're free of debris. Don't forget to check that your downspouts are properly extended and directing water at least six feet away from your home's foundation.
The Under-the-Sink Leak Search
Often, the most damaging leaks are the quietest. A slow, consistent drip from a pipe under your kitchen or bathroom sink can go unnoticed for weeks or even months, leading to rotted cabinets, mold, and damaged floors.
- Your DIY Task: Grab a flashlight and paper towels. Get on your hands and knees and inspect all the pipes, supply lines, and connections under every sink in your home. Feel for moisture and look for any signs of a stain or discoloration on the wood.
- Consider Replacement: We've featured projects on replacing worn-out supply lines, P-traps, replacing sinks. These are simple fixes that anyone with basic tools can do. If you find a leak, don't just put a bucket under it; grab a new supply line or a slip-joint washer—a few dollars at the hardware store can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage.
The Payoff
These small tasks—cleaning gutters, checking under sinks, and inspecting your roof from the inside—may seem minor, but they are a homeowner's first line of defense against an expensive disaster. A few hours of proactive maintenance now can save you from a late-night emergency call to a plumber, a lengthy insurance claim process, or worse, the growth of mold and mildew. As Ron always said, "The right tool for the job is often a little bit of know-how." And the best time to apply that know-how is before the rain starts to fall.
