Believe it or not, water damage isn’t always due to heavy rainstorms or melting snow. Rather, water damage often stems from a lack of home maintenance. Preventing water damage can be as simple as taking care of your home.

Water damage is usually excluded from your homeowners coverage if the cause is connected to poor maintenance practices—leaving you to pay out-of-pocket for any home repair costs.

With this mind, be sure to follow this guidance on preventing water damage from wreaking havoc on your home (and your wallet).

• Make sure you know the location of your home’s main water shut-off valve. This will allow you to respond quickly and efficiently in the event of a water disaster, such as a burst pipe.
• Have appliances such as water heaters, showers, tubs, toilets, sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines reviewed on a routine basis by a qualified professional.
• Don’t put off making home repairs.

Conduct your own inspections of the following items on a regular basis:

• Check the caulking surrounding showers, tubs, sinks and toilet bases. Reseal any openings.
• If your refrigerator includes an ice machine or water dispenser, analyze the hose between the wall and the refrigerator for signs of pinching or stress. Make adjustments as needed.
• Ensure that your sump pump is in good condition and operating properly. Consult a qualified professional if you detect any problems.
• Inspect supply lines, connections, hoses, fittings, pipes and valves for potential leaks, cracks or corrosion. Schedule repairs as soon as possible to avoid more severe damage.
• Check the lifespan for each of your appliances. Make replacements when necessary.
• Clean your roof and gutters regularly to prevent ice or debris buildup. In addition, monitor your roof for loose shingles or other damages and make repairs as needed.
• Consider installing a water flow monitoring system or smart water sensors for further protection.

Review Your Coverage

Apart from these practices, review your homeowners insurance policy with an insurance professional to ensure you will be adequately covered if sudden or accidental water damage occurs within your home. Keep in mind that some specific causes of water damage—such as flooding and sewer backups—are typically excluded from standard homeowners policies and often require additional, specialized coverage. For more home maintenance guidance and homeowners insurance solutions, contact us today.