No one likes to come home and see water everywhere. But let’s face it, if you own a home there are many ways that water can damage your home. Homeowner’s insurance is designed to cover many types of accidental water damage claims, but we would all agree it is better to do a little prevent rather than have a homeowner’s insurance claim. Here are a few types of water damage occurrences, and ways to reduce the likelihood of an accident.
Roof Leaks
- Have a professional roof inspection annually.
- Request a detailed inspection report that includes the condition of the flashing, roof covering, parapets, and drainage system.
- Ensure gutters and downspouts are free of debris.
- Turn supply valves off when not in use, and when leaving for extended periods of time (e.g., vacation).
- Consider installing a lever-type water shut-off valve that is easy to operate between uses.
- Only operate the washing machine while someone is home.
- Inspect water supply line hoses once a year for cracks, kinks, or blisters.
- Leave a 3 to 4 inch gap between the back of the washing machine and the wall to avoid kinking the hose near the valve connection.
- Ensure that the connection to the valve is secure. Avoid over-tightening by tightening first by hand, then tightening an additional 2/3 of a turn using pliers.
- Washing machine manufacturers recommend replacing washing machine hoses every 5 years. Consider replacing standard hoses with reinforced braided stainless steel ones.
- Inspect plumbing beneath sinks every 6 months.
- Ensure connections are secure and there is no evidence of corrosion on the pipes.
- Look for kinks in copper water lines. These could lead to pinhole leaks over time.
- Locate the water shut-off valve.
- Inspect the valve every 6 months to make sure water supply will still shut off. Have valve replaced if needed.
- Have a professional plumbing inspection at least once every 2 years and annually once the warranty has expired. The rod will eventually corrode and leave the tank vulnerable to damage.
- Remove sediment by flushing the tank every 6 months. Sediment will build up faster in areas with hard water.
- After flushing, remain in or near the bathroom until the fill valve has finished refilling the bowl. If the bowl or tank begins to overflow, turn off the water at the supply valve.
- Inspect the flushing mechanism inside the toilet every 6 months.
- Replace the flapper or fill valve assembly if you notice intermittent or constant tank refilling when the toilet is not in use.
- Inspect the supply line every 6 months. Ensure the connection to the valve is secure.
- Operate the valve to make sure the water supply will shut off. Replace it if needed.
- Replace supply lines with reinforced braided stainless steel hoses.
- Pay attention to your water bill. A significant increase could indicate a leak.
- When freeze warnings are issued, disconnect garden hoses and turn off outside faucets.
- Visually inspect plumbing pipes (drain & supply lines) annually, look for condensation around the pipes or an obvious leak and corrosion.
- Call a plumber at the first signs of rust-colored water, backed up toilets or sinks, or cracked or warped flooring.
- Insulate pipes in the attics, basements, and exposed exterior pipes to avoid freezing.
- During periods of freezing weather, open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warm air.