Ask Your Brother: Water Damage and Home Maintenance Tips
When it comes to maintenance tips around the home, there’s no limit to how much we have to keep up with. From a solid cleaning schedule to garden plans and regular outdoor care for your structure’s roof, water system, foundation, and more—it’s important that you keep up with your home to prevent issues in the long run. The Bros have received a ton of questions on home maintenance checklists and general home care how-tos, so Jonathan wanted to answer some of your most pressing questions to help make sure you take care of your house the right way.
He goes over four home maintenance questions from fans, with answers to help keep your home safe, dry, and running smooth. Between tips to prevent leaks and clogs in your gutters to when to take action against mold, Jonathan gets down to the nitty-gritty today on Ask Your Brother. If you have home improvement questions that you want answered by the Bros, be sure to comment on our video and let us know! Subscribe to the Drew & Jonathan YouTube channel for more Drew and Jonathan content, and stay up-to-date on all their best advice and tips, with exclusive videos you won’t find anywhere else.
1. Check Your Roof and Gutters Each Season
Clean your gutters regularly to not only help with rain drainage, but also to prevent structural damage and keep your home safe from pests. Jonathan says the first step is easy: Simply climb up on a ladder and assess your gutters! You can use a leaf blower to help clear out any leaves and debris (just be sure not to blow under your shingles, since this can cause water penetration as well), and use our guide on how to clean your gutters.
Jonathan’s number one recommendation is to invest in a gutter guard. It helps keep the leaves out of your gutters altogether, so they can just wash away with rain. If you’re in a fire zone, make sure it’s a metal gutter guard. Plastic guards can melt, and it could lead to leaves catching fire and other major issues. And check your downspouts for clogs, too! Clogs are the enemy here, and can lead to all sorts of problems with moisture retention, bursts, and more. Make sure it extends at least four feet from your home’s foundation to keep unnecessary moisture or flooding at bay.
2. Use an AI Water Leak Detection System
Water leak detection pucks can help alert you to a water leak, but the best solution, Jonathan says, is an AI leak detection system with automatic shut-off. Whenever it detects a leak, the system automatically shuts off your water (no matter where you are!), which is a life-saver to prevent catastrophic leaks and damage. Jonathan uses one in his home from PHYN that actually learns from his water footprint, and adjusts if it notices anything unusual.
This means that it’ll keep track of your regular water usage and will automatically alert you and shut off when something irregular happens. Even the small everyday mistakes—one of the kids leaves the faucet on accidentally, or a toilet handle gets stuck—don’t have to happen anymore. The system will alert you and automatically shut off, which can save you money and headaches in the long-run. “It is hands-down the best technology,” Jonathan says.
3. When (and When Not) to Shut Off Your Water Supply for Vacation
Every homeowner needs to know where their main shut-off valve is located. If it’s out on the street, hire a plumber to come in and install a manual valve inside your house. This is crucial in order to have easy access in an emergency. And if you’re headed out on vacation or you’re going to be away from home for a while, consider these scenarios before you shut off your water supply:
- You have a sprinkler system: Don’t cut off your water system! If for some reason there was a fire while you’re away, your sprinklers will not turn on, which could be catastrophic.
- You have an AI leak detection system: If you have a leak detection system like Jonathan’s PHYN, you can put it on away mode while you’re on vacation. This means that your water won’t completely shut off. Water can still be turned on when prompted, so you’ll be notified if they use water while you’re gone (like a neighbor coming to check on your plants or pets) but it will stay shut off otherwise.
- You have a garden irrigation system: Don’t shut off your water completely. You don’t want your beautiful garden to die while you’re away on vacay!
Jonathan’s biggest tip, however, is to ask a neighbor or friend to come by at least once a week if you’ll be away from home for an extended period of time. And if you live in a hotter climate, make sure they turn your taps on and flush your toilets so your pipes don’t dry out.
4. Know the Signs and Take Action Against Mold
If you smell musty odors or you see stains on a wall or roof, that’s a sign you have a moisture penetration problem. Likewise, if you or your guests suddenly feel sick, are coughing, or have unusual signs of allergies, that could also be an indicator of a mold issue. The first step? Hire a contractor or mold expert immediately to come assess your home and run a mold test. From there, they can provide solutions. Mold can become a serious problem if left untreated, so take action as soon as you notice something off!
Ask Your Brother: How Do I Prep My House Before Going on Vacation?
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Bree Pulver
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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