At Oregon Moisture Masters, we understand that water damage can be a huge pain and disruption for homeowners. Not only can it cause significant damage, it can also lead to costly repairs and insurance claims. In fact, water damage is the second-most frequently filed homeowner insurance claim. Statistics show that we are seven times more likely to experience water damage than fire damage and six times more likely to experience water damage than burglary.
The most common causes of plumbing leaks that result in water damage include dishwashers, ice makers, water heaters, toilets, sinks, washing machines, showers, and tubs. To help you avoid these issues, we’ve put together six tips to protect your home from water damage.
Six Tips to Protect Your Home From Water Damage
1. Regularly Check Hoses and Faucets
One of the simplest ways to minimize water damage is to keep an eye on the hoses that lead to appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Experts recommend checking these hoses annually to spot cracks or leaks that could cause problems. Replacing these hoses every five to seven years is a wise precaution to help you avoid major water damage issues.
2. Monitor Showers and Tubs
Your shower and tub can be a hidden source of water damage. Make sure the caulking around these fixtures is watertight, and replace it if you see any cracks forming. Caulk is inexpensive and can save you from costly water damage resulting from seepage into your floor.
3. Know Where and How to Shut Off Your Water Main
Knowing how to shut off your home’s water supply is critical in the event of a sudden pipe burst or leak. Most times, shutting off the water main will halt the flow of water and limit the damage. You can order free water main shut-off tags to help easily identify the location of your water main.
4. Install Floor Pans
Floor pans are an excellent way to protect your floors from water damage. While they can’t prevent a catastrophic leak, they can help minimize damage caused by smaller, slow leaks that often go unnoticed. To protect your home, consider placing floor pans under appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters.
5. Consider Purchasing Water Alarms
Water alarms work in a similar way to smoke alarms. When water is detected in a specific area, an alarm is triggered, alerting you to a potential problem. You can place sensors around your home, including basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and near sump pumps. This early warning system allows you to address any issues before they cause significant damage.
6. Consider Purchasing a Water Flow Monitoring System
A water flow monitoring system is a more advanced way to protect your home, covering the entire property by connecting to your water main. It works by measuring water flow into your house; if it detects continuous water flow beyond the normal patterns caused by everyday appliances, it automatically stops water flow into your home. This can be an excellent investment for complete peace of mind and prevention of water damage.