About 71% of the earth is covered by water. We use it for cleaning, cooking, drinking, and swimming. We really can’t live without it. But in the context of our homes, it can signal disaster if it runs uncontrollably in basements, garages, voids, floors, or walls. Water damage is the second most filed homeowners insurance claim. Statistically, you are seven times more likely to suffer water damage than fire damage and six times more likely to have a burglary. So, Preventing Water Damage to Your Home is very important to save on homeowners insurance.
>>> Read: Preventing Most Expensive Home Repairs – Tips and Tricks
Routine inspection and maintenance can help prevent black mold, rotting drywall and studs, damaged floors, and other damage that can result from uncontrolled water. Here are steps you can take to minimize the risk of water leaks and damage in your home.
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is and if it’s working properly
- Check water pipes and gutters for leaks, cracks, and poorly sealed joints.
- Check for cracks/lack of sealant around the exterior of the house (doors, windows, etc.)
- Make sure your yard is properly graded to drain water out of your home
- Keep your roof in good condition
- Keep your internal drain clean and free-flowing
- If you have a chimney, make sure it has no cracks that could let water in
- Monitor your water pressure by checking your monthly bill for sudden and unexplained increases in usage
- Make sure the sump pump in your basement or crawl space is working properly
- Switch from gravure to PEX if you can or need to. Copper pipes can leak pinhole as they age (especially around 20+ years) and welds can fail.
- Check and re-seal your basement, if necessary
- Install the drain valve
- Check the unit’s pipes, faucets, water heaters, showers, and tubs for cracks and leaks.
- If you live in a freezing place, consider using an emergency pressure relief valve
- Check sprinklers and irrigation systems to make sure they are not leaking
- Consider storing valuables where the effects of water damage can be minimized (e.g. not in the basement) or storing items in the basement away from the floor
- Have an up-to-date property inventory, including digital photos, that you can access in the event of damage or loss (and store the information in two places…your home and one location. another point outside)
While a homeowner’s insurance policy will generally cover water and flood damage if it is caused by a broken pipe or another system in the home, that policy may not cover damage caused by external flooding or mudflow from outside the home. Homeowners in flood-prone areas should look closely at national flood insurance; even homeowners in low to moderate-risk areas may want to consider this insurance.
>>> Read: Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know
