Water damage does not need to be inevitable. Homeowners can take steps to prevent or minimize the water damage in their homes. Follow these five tips to prevent water damage. If water damage still occurs, then know who to call so that the water damage is mitigated as soon as possible.

Keep gutters and downspouts cleaned and maintained.

Gutters and downspouts are designed to redirect water from your home. If the gutters and downspouts are loose, broken, clogged, or dirty, the water can reach your home and cause damage to the foundation of the house. Water could also enter the basement. Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, and repair any damage as needed.

Use a drain snake instead of chemical drain cleaners.

Chemical drain cleaners might provide a quick fix for drain clogs, but they also eat the pipes over time. Damaged pipes eventually spring leaks or worse, break and need replacing. A drain snake can unclog the pipes without eroding them. Follow instructions when using a drain snake.

Don’t pour grease down the sink.

Most of us already know not to do this, but not everyone understands why. Grease sticks to pipes. Imagine how many layers of grease could be in the pipes if someone regularly pours their grease down the sink. Allow grease to cool in a container, and throw it away. Never toss grease into the drains.

Look over your water bill.

Know what is reasonable for your water bill. A sudden increase in your water bill could indicate a leak somewhere in the house. If you notice that the water bill is creeping up, then it might be time to search for a leak in your plumbing system.

Fix leaks right away.

A small leak might not seem like a big deal, but water droplets mean that moisture is pooling somewhere. It also provides a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Fixing pipes right away can mitigate potential water damage to your home and save you from having a larger headache later on.

These five tips can help you to prevent water damage in your home. Identifying issues early on goes a long way to preventing water damage. Taking care of problems as they arise is another way to lessen the damage.