Water Leak Mitigation

When you think of home insurance claims, disasters like fire and flood probably come to mind first. However, water leaks are a silent threat, often discovered too late. Internal water damage accounts for nearly half of all property damage, but eliminating the threat of water leaks can be accomplished in a few easy steps. Of course if things aren’t caused by internal piping but actually a roof leak, you may need to get in touch with a company that could either repair or even replace the roof if the issue is severe enough. It may be a costly investment but you’ve got to think about how it will last you in the long run.

Inspect appliance hoses

Homeowners make a habit of checking smoke alarms and filters (which is a great practice), but often overlook another crucial check-up. The Insurance Information Institute recommends that appliance hoses should be checked yearly for leaks and cracks and replaced completely every 5-7 years. This includes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and faucets. You should also inspect showers regularly for any cracks or leaks in the seal or caulking. If you are struggling to find water leaks that you suspect are present in your home, it could be down to the fact that some are very hard to locate. This is why acoustic leak detection might be necessary. But quick peek can help you avoid the disastrous flood of water should any of the hoses or seals malfunction.

Shut it off

When vacation time rolls around, most families will stop the mail, turn off the lights and lower the air, but vigilant homeowners may not think about stopping the water as well. Shutting off the main water line will prevent any leaks from worsening should any problems arise while you’re gone. The key to limiting water damage is early detection. It’s also a good idea to never run the dishwasher or clothes washer when you are out of the house, otherwise, you may be seeking emergency plumbing advice. When a hose leaks and you don’t stop it immediately, the result can be devastating.

Use tech

A newer development for mitigating water leak risk is to install a water leak detection device. These wifi-driven systems utilize smart home technology and usually must connect to a hub. Leak detection devices will monitor selected areas and if they detect water, they’ll send an alert to your phone. If you already use a smart home system, these devices are an inexpensive addition to your home protection.

Protecting your home from potential water leak damage is about being vigilant. The Insurance Journal quoted Fran O’Brien, the division president of Chubb North America Personal Risk Services noting “The time between when a leak occurs and when it is discovered is the single greatest factor in determining the amount of damage. As a result, leaks that occur while you’re away result in greater amounts of damage, in terms of both cost and severity.”

Internal water leaks can lead to costly repairs from structural, mold, and appliance damage, making them the leading cause of property damage, according to the Insurance Journal. Repairs that average $5,000 out of pocket can be avoided with a little extra caution and care. Maybe the next time you change out your smoke alarm, you can make a point to inspect the water flow areas in your home. Or, maybe this is the excuse you needed to finally buy that smart hub you’ve been wanting so you can turn down the air without leaving the couch. Mitigating water damage is a precaution that can save you thousands.

If you need to make a water leak insurance claim or think you might have water damage inside your home, contact us with any questions.