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To repair a large, water-damaged basement, it would cost about $8,500. No one keeps that kind of money handy for an emergency.

Save yourself from costly repair bills by preventing water damage in your home.

Sometimes first-time homeowners aren't sure what areas in their home to keep an eye on. There are a handful of preventative measures you can take to stop an accidental flood.

Grab your calendar. Schedule a date to tackle each one of the following tasks. Once you're finished, schedule the chore for the same time the following year.

You'd much rather deal with a few repairs now than sorting through a water damaged basement later.

Check the Caulk All Over the House

Caulk is the unsung hero of the home-building world. Anywhere water may damage the house, there's caulk in water's way.

But like any superhero, caulk ages and eventually loses the fight with its foe. In no time at all, you can go from dry home to standing in an inch of water thanks to old caulk.

Inside the home, check the condition of the caulk in places like:

• The shower/bathtub
• Bathroom sink(s)
• Toilet(s)
• Kitchen sink
• Around the connections for the dishwasher, washer, and water heater

Don't forget to check the caulk outside. Without caulk, the windows will leak rain into your home. 

Leaks from old caulk leave walls water damaged and rotting. If left alone, the water damage will turn into mold. Mold spores cause respiratory distress even in healthy people.

Know the Condition of Every Hose 

Most people don't know that hoses usually last around 5 years or so. When was the last time you even looked at the hose on your washing machine?

While you're checking the washer, check the hoses on these appliances, as well:

• Dishwasher
• Air conditioner
• Water heater
• Toilet
• Bidet
• Refrigerator

For those who live in a cold climate, you need to consider your external hoses as well. Protect the spigot from the cold so it won't freeze and crack. Never leave a hose attached in the winter or it could burst.

Weather-Proof Outside the House

Rainy days aren't soothing when they leave your home water damaged and moldy. Keep the rain outside where it belongs by weather-proofing outside every year.

Whenever your trees shed their leaves, clear them from the gutters ASAP. Clogged gutters pool water around your home's foundation. This can eventually lead to a basement flood.

While you're on the roof, give it a good once-over. Check the low spots for signs of damage. Make sure there aren't any leaves holding moisture on the roof.

Save Your Home From Becoming Water Damaged

Don't wake in the middle of the night with a lake in your home. A few hours of preventative maintenance each year will save you thousands in repairs.

Space out your plumbing and roofing chores. When spread out across the whole year, you won't even miss the time you spent working.

If the worst happens and your home is water damaged, we can help. Contact American Emergency Restoration & Reconstruction Services at any time. We have professionals on-call 24/7.