After damage caused by wind & hail, one of the most common causes of insured losses to homes is damage by water escaping from your plumbing system or appliances.
Often, this damage can be prevented by taking some steps to prevent this damage before it happens. Along with a general inspection of all plumbing systems & appliances that use water, here a a few things you can do to avoid water damage to your home:
1. Make sure that you and all residents of your home know where the main water shut off is for the house, and how to turn it off. This is usually located in the basement. If you find a leak in the plumbing system, you can turn off this water main to prevent further damage.
2. Inspect the hoses on your washing machine. If they show signs of wear, or are over 5 years old, replace them. The best idea is to replace the standard rubber hose with braided stainless steel hoses like this one:
3. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, be sure the supply line is in good condition and is securely attached to the appliance. Also, inspect the connection to the dishwasher.
4. If your home has a sump pump, test it at least once a year to be sure it will work when needed, and replace it if necessary. Consider installing a second pump that operates on battery power in case of a power failure.
Also, if you will be away from home on vacation or for any extended length of time, it is a good idea to shut off the main water supply valve before you leave. If you do this, be sure to also turn off the water heater or set it to a vacation setting & turn off or unplug the water softner. During the heating season you can turn the thermostat down, but do not turn it off. If possible, have someone check on the home periodically while you are away.
If you have any questions regarding the coverage on your homeowners policy, please contact our office.