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  Whether you live in a condominium, mobile home, or site-built house, we all aspire to maintain a safe and secure home. It can be frustrating to experience a loss to your property as a result of water damage that could have been prevented by performing a few simple, easy to remember tips for proper maintenance. In fact, some of the most common damage that occurs to homes can sometimes be prevented if you know how to identify, reduce or eliminate risks. A study by the Institute for Business Home and Safety (IBHS) identified ways that may be helpful for you to be able to minimize these risks. Below, I have laid out some of the most common causes of water damage and some methods for prevention. Please take a moment to consider the following information: |
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Water Damage Prevention Checklist
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Roof leaks were the most frequent source of water damage in the study (IBHS). Roof repairs are needed if: - The roof has cracked or missing shingles or loose or missing granules.
- Flashing has deteriorated, particularly around chimneys and vents.
- Pooling water is present on the roof.
How to prevent roof leaks: - Have a professional roof inspection annually.
- Request a detailed inspection report that includes the condition of the flashing, roof covering, parapets, and drainage system.
- Ensure downspouts are free of debris.
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In the IBHS study, a burst water supply line caused half of all water damage incidents involving washing machines. On average, these caused more than $6,000 in damage per occurrence. - Turn supply valves off when not in use, and when leaving for extended periods of time.
- Consider installing a lever-type water shut-off valve that is easy to operate between uses.
- Only operate washing machine while someone is home.
- Inspect water supply line hoses once a year for cracks, kinks, or blisters.
- Leave a 3 to 4 inch gap between the back of the washing machine and the wall to avoid kinking the hose near the valve connection.
- Ensure that the connection to the valve is secure. Avoid over-tightening by tightening first by hand, then tightening an additional 2/3 of a turn using pliers.
- Washing machine manufacturers recommend replacing washing machine hoses every 5 years. Consider replacing standard hoses with reinforced braided stainless steel ones.
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 Water damage from a sink averaged more than $7,000 per incident. Of these incidents, 44% were attributed to faulty plumbing supply lines. - Inspect plumbing beneath every 6 months.
- Ensure connections are secure and there is no evidence of corrosion on the pipes.
- Look for kinks in copper water lines. These could lead to pinhole leaks over time.
- Locate the water shut-off valve.
- Inspect the valve every 6 months to make sure water supply will still shut off. Have valve replaced if necessary.
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Water damage from toilets costs $2,000 to $10,000 per incident. 78% of incidents reviewed in the IBHS study were caused by faulty supply lines, toilet flanges, fill valve assemblies, or by toilets that backed up and overflowed. - Inspect flushing mechanism inside the toilet every 6 months.
- Replace the flapper or fill valve assembly if you notice intermittent or constant tank refilling when the toilet is not in use.
- Inspect the supply line every 6 months. Make sure connection to the valve is secure.
- Operate the valve to make sure the water supply will shut off.
- Replace the supply lines with reinforced braided stainless steel hoses.
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