Spring Cleaning Can Prevent a Water or Fire Damage to Your Home

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning a dryer vent can prevent a fire to your home in Alliance, Ohio.

Spring is just around the corner. The sun is shining bright, and it is time to open the windows and let the fresh air in to welcome the new season. Checking and cleaning a few household areas and items can help eliminate a future water or fire damage.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare your home for SPRING!

1. Gutters and downspouts: Clean out gutters and downspouts from any leftover fall and winter debris. If left neglected, the next heavy rain can cause flooding and erosion issues to the foundation of your home from any clogged gutters.

2. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace any batteries.

3. Fire Extinguishers: Check fire extinguishers for expiration date and make sure they still work.

4. Windows and Doors: Clean all windows and doors and sliding glass door tracks for smooth operation. Check your windows and doors for leaks or air drafts. If you feel outdoor air seeping in, the seals may need to be replaced.

5. Water and Air Filters: Replace water filters and air filters. Filters catch debris from water and air. When they get full, they cannot filter as effectively as they should. The filters should be routinely replaced to ensure that they can work efficiently.

6. Dryer Vent: Your dryer vent can easily become filled with lint and debris. Clean the dryer vent to help improve drying time and energy efficiency and to prevent a fire. The vent inside your dryer should be cleaned with each load, but in the spring, you should check your exterior vent as well, making sure there is nothing accumulating in the tubing from the dryer to the outside.

7. Grill: Once it begins to get warmer, people start thinking about cooking and eating outside. Now is the perfect time inspect your grill, refill your tanks if it is a gas grill, and clean all the cooking surfaces so it is ready to use when you want to make delicious meals. Grills with an abundance of leftover food and grease could cause a fire.

8. Plumbing for Leaks: Look for leaks under your sinks and for leaking faucets. If you notice any leaks, call in a plumber to make the needed repairs. A leaky faucet can produce water damage and unwanted mold growth.

It may not be possible to prevent all water damage; however, taking these precautions lower your chance of water damaging the structure of your home. If you do find water damage in your home, please call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088 and we will restore your home “Like it never even happened.”