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Loss Prevention Tips for the Fall Season

Monday September 20, 2021 4:29 PM

Loss Prevention Tips for the Fall Season  

As the cold, fall weather in Montana starts approaching, make sure to follow these loss prevention tips to ensure you and your home stay safe.  

  • Clean out any debris that has collected in your gutters and on your roof.
    • This will help ensure that your roof has proper drainage and prevent water/ice from pooling and leaking into your home.
       
  • Drain garden hoses and disconnect from hose bibs.
    • Water sitting in hoses and hose bibs can freeze during cold weather and cause damage to your pipes.
       
  • If you have an underground sprinkler system, have the system blown out to remove any water in the hoses.
    • The water can freeze and crack the hoses, causing massive water leaks in the spring.
       
  • If possible, shut off the water to your external water spouts.
    • This prevents them from being used during the winter.
       
  • Have your furnace serviced and filters replaced before using your heating system.
    • This will ensure that your furnace is in good working order to avoid a break down. If your furnace has an issue in the winter, temperatures inside can fall very quickly and increase the risk of frozen and burst pipes.
       
  • If you have a septic system, consider getting it serviced or pumped before winter, if needed. 
    • Once snow hits the ground, it is difficult to have tanks services or pumped. If a septic tank is full or not in good bacterial health, there is a possibilty of it freezing and causing a sewage backup in your home.
       
  • If you have crawl space vents, close and insulate them for the winter.
    • This will help keep your home warmer and keep the moisture out of your crawl space. Excess moisture can contribute to organic growth.

Annual Maintenance Tips:

  • Clean out your dryer vent every 1-2 years to prevent lint build up in the system.
    • Dryer lint is extremely flammable and the build up can contribute to dryer fires.
       
  • Check your hoses and water lines to your dishwasher, washing machine, and ice maker.
    • The hoses can become kinked, cracked, or get small holes that can lead to water damage in your home. It is recommended to replace hosing with braided, stainless steel flex hosing.
       
  • Test all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month, and replace batteries if needed. 

For more information about these tips, or for service inquires, contact Buffalo Restoration at 406.589.8109.