It’s spring, and the shrubs, flowers, and vegetable gardens are calling! After a chilly, often wet winter, we are all ready to get our hands in the dirt and grow things. But, before pulling out the shovels and firing up the landscape irrigation, take some time to inspect for winter water damage, and take steps to prevent water damage from landscape watering. Water damage can sneak up on us. The Atascadero water damage experts from Central Coast Casualty & Restoration (CCCR) have the following tips to help prevent water damage from landscape watering.
- Avoid planting thirsty plants next to the foundation. Watering plants, even with drip irrigation, creates moisture and mold that, over time, can damage a foundation or cause water to collect under the house.
- Make sure that plants growing next to the house have good drainage away from the foundation.
- If you are watering with sprinklers, make sure the water doesn’t pool too close to the foundation.
- Drip irrigation and soaker hoses tend to water more slowly and deeply than sprinklers, and some plants do better with misting. If using misters, point the misting heads away from the foundation.
- Keep debris away from the foundation.
- Use timers to turn watering on and off. Forgetting to turn off the water is a leading cause of flooding. It also increases the water bill.
- Check outdoor taps to make sure they are not leaking and repair them if needed.
- Check the yard for wet soil or puddles of water, indicating a broken water pipe.
- Check for plumbing or winter storm damage and make needed repairs as soon as possible to prevent costly damage.
- Regularly check water pipes, hoses, and irrigation systems for damage or overspray onto walls and windows.
Water damage isn’t always caused by a disaster
Leaks are one of the most common causes of water damage, and damaged or inefficient landscape watering can have the same effect on a building as long-term, undetected faulty plumbing problems.
CCCR has been assisting Central Coast communities, including Atascadero, with water damage repairs since 1996. Water can damage a building’s structure and contents. The nature of water is to travel the path of least resistance, and it can seep into everything it comes into contact with. Walls, floors, cabinetry, even tile, and personal property can be damaged by water and mold.
Vigilance and inspections are the best shields against water damage. Inspections are opportunities to make necessary repairs or other mitigating actions to prevent serious water damage. Life being what it is, accidents still happen.
Expert help when you need it
CCCR is available 24/7 for water damage emergencies. The team arrives and gets right to work assessing the damage and preparing a detailed report and restoration plan for your insurance company. The company serves the Central Coast, and communities near Atascadero for water damage, fire, sewage cleanup and more.
The general remediation and restoration steps for water damage cleanup include using industrial-quality equipment and supplies for:
- Extracting water from every place it is found.
- Drying structural elements, furnishing, and personal property, including many things that might seem unsalvageable.
- Cleaning furnishings, carpets, drapes, clothing, and other personal items. Cleaning can include removing mold, odors, and sanitizing.
- Repairing and rebuilding, which includes restoring severely damaged sections of a building, electrical and plumbing repairs, and restoring the home or business so you can get back to life as usual.
The team is IICRC-certified for remediating and restoring property for:
- Water damage
- Fire damage.
- Mold damage.
- Sewage cleanup.
- Biohazard/trauma cleaning.
- Remodeling services.
- Cleaning services for carpet, tile, and grout, upholstery, and deep cleaning for home and business.
For emergencies, call (805) 466-5419.
