Most water damage starts small. A loose hose, a clogged gutter, a damp crawl space. The checks below take little time, and they match the weather we get across the Greater Chattanooga area: thunderstorms, hot humid summers, the occasional ice storm and the remnants of tropical systems. Pick a season and start there.
Spring: get ready for storms
Spring thunderstorms test your roof and drainage first.
- Clear gutters and downspouts. Make sure downspouts carry water well away from the foundation.
- Look at the ground around the house. Soil should slope away from brick, vinyl siding and slab edges.
- Check roof flashing, chimney edges and vent boots for gaps.
- Look at vinyl siding seams and window trim. Water can get behind them and show up inside only weeks later.
- Test a sump pump if you have one by pouring water into the pit.
- Check washing machine hoses and the supply lines under sinks.
Summer: fight humidity
Hot, humid air is hard on crawl spaces and slabs alike.
- Check the air conditioner's condensate line and drain pan. A clogged line can overflow into a ceiling or closet.
- Look in the crawl space. The vapor barrier should lie flat and cover the soil. Note damp spots, standing water or a musty smell.
- Run a dehumidifier in damp basements and keep the indoor humidity moderate.
- Watch for sweating ducts and wet insulation.
- Aim sprinklers away from siding and foundation vents.
- Check the water heater for rust, drips or a wet floor beneath it.
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Fall: leaves and tropical remnants
Late summer and fall can bring heavy rain from the remnants of tropical systems. Prepare before one is in the forecast.
- Clean gutters again after the leaves drop.
- Walk the roof line from the ground and look for loose or missing shingles.
- Know where your main water shut-off is. Make sure everyone in the house can find it.
- Raise stored boxes off basement and garage floors.
- Test the sump pump and its backup power, if you have one.
- Check that exterior doors and garage door seals close tightly.
Winter: ice storms and cold snaps
Pipes in crawl spaces and exterior walls are the weak point. Many older mill-era houses have little wall insulation, so they feel cold snaps first.
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots before a hard cold night.
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, attics and garages.
- On the coldest nights, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls. Let a faucet drip slowly.
- Plan for outages. A power loss during an ice storm can stop a sump pump.
- If a pipe bursts, shut off the main valve first, then begin cleanup.
- If pipes are frozen, thaw them slowly and never use an open flame.
Checks for any month
- Look under every sink, behind toilets and around the water heater for stains or drips.
- Replace old rubber supply hoses with braided ones as they age.
- Watch the water bill. A sudden rise can point to a hidden leak.
- Consider small leak sensors near the water heater, washer and sinks.
- Look for ceiling stains, bubbling paint, warped floors or a musty smell. Check these after every big storm.
If water gets in anyway
Prevention lowers the odds. It does not remove them. If water does get in, time matters.
In the first hour, stop the source and stay safe around electrical items. Take photos. Over the first day, remove standing water and start moving air. Over the next few days, wet materials can sour and mold can begin to grow, especially in humid weather. Early drying usually means less to tear out.
If you need help, the request form on Sande Restoration passes your details to independent providers. Availability depends on the provider, and storm weeks can be busy.
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