A busted pipe, a leaky toilet, a major flood. All of these things can lead to residential or commercial water damage and may result in severe structural damage. While there is no way to predict just how or when a water loss may strike, there are some steps you can take to keep your home or business safe in the fall and winter months ahead.

• Invest in water alarms. Affordably priced and available through ServiceMaster Clean In A Wink, water alarms are an easy way to monitor potential water loss and receive alerts.
• Clean your gutters yearly. Autumn is the perfect season to clean your gutters of any leaves or debris that may cause water backup and leaks.
• Check plumbing and pipes. Dishwashers, hot water tanks, refrigerators and ice makers are all susceptible to water loss. Make sure they are secure and in good condition.
• Keep your home/business heated while you are away. It may seem like a waste of money in this rough economy, but the benefit of this could far outweigh any short-term costs. Keeping your house warm while you are traveling over the winter holidays can prevent water pipes from freezing and breaking.